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Demographic Transition in Somerton: From Low to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Somerton, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, currently has a White population of 66% as of 2022, exhibiting a Racial Majority status. The neighborhood is approaching a Majority-Minority status, with the combined minority population reaching 34%. Somerton's median income was $67,069 in 2022, indicating a middle-class suburban area. The presence of the Northeast Philadelphia Airport has likely influenced the neighborhood's demographic and economic patterns.
Over the past decade, Somerton has experienced a significant demographic transition. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity, with a White population of 79%. By 2022, it had shifted to a Moderate Diversity classification, bordering on High Diversity. This change is primarily attributed to an increase in the Asian population, which grew from 10% in 2013 to 20% in 2022. The Hispanic and Black populations have also seen modest increases, contributing to the overall diversification.
The White population declined from 79% to 66% over this period, indicating a Transitional Community status. This transition suggests a trend towards increasing diversity, potentially leading to a Majority-Minority status in the near future if current trends continue.
Somerton has experienced moderate economic growth alongside these demographic changes. The median income increased from $60,654 in 2013 to $67,069 in 2022, representing a growth of about 10.6% over the decade. This growth has not kept pace with inflation, suggesting a relatively stable economic situation rather than significant advancement.
The population has remained relatively stable, growing from 37,315 in 2013 to 39,426 in 2022. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and modest income growth, suggests that the neighborhood is attracting a diverse mix of middle-class residents while maintaining its overall character.
The demographic shifts observed in Somerton align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have seen growth in Asian and Hispanic populations over the past decade. Somerton's change appears more pronounced than the national average, particularly in terms of Asian population growth.
Economically, Somerton's median income growth of 10.6% over the decade is lower than the national average, which saw about a 15% increase in median household income from 2013 to 2022. This suggests that Somerton has maintained a stable economic profile but hasn't experienced the same level of economic growth as some other areas of the country.
The Northeast Philadelphia Airport in Somerton likely plays a role in its demographic and economic trends. Airports often serve as economic hubs, attracting diverse populations for employment opportunities and potentially influencing housing patterns in surrounding areas.
Somerton exemplifies a suburban neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, with potential for further diversification in the coming years. Its economic stability, coupled with increasing racial diversity, positions it as a microcosm of broader demographic shifts occurring in many American suburbs.
