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Demographic Transition to Hispanic Majority in Allentown's 1st Ward: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The 1st Ward of Allentown, Pennsylvania, transitioned to a Hispanic Majority neighborhood between 2013 and 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 59% in 2013 to 78% in 2020. The White population declined from 23% in 2013 to 17% in 2022. The Black population fluctuated between 7-13% during this period. Asian and other racial groups maintained minimal representation.
The median income in the 1st Ward increased from $23,483 in 2013 to $41,541 in 2022. The most significant increase occurred between 2013 and 2019, coinciding with the rapid growth of the Hispanic population. This suggests a possible correlation between the influx of Hispanic residents and economic growth in the neighborhood.
The population of the 1st Ward grew from 3,793 in 2010 to 4,482 in 2020, before declining to 3,904 in 2022. This population growth, along with the increase in median income, indicates a period of economic expansion in the neighborhood.
The demographic shift in Allentown's 1st Ward aligns with broader national trends of increasing Hispanic populations in urban areas. Many cities in the United States have experienced similar transitions, often accompanied by cultural and economic changes in affected neighborhoods.
The economic improvement in this neighborhood, with median income nearly doubling over a decade, is significant. However, the 2022 median income of $41,541 remains below the national median household income of approximately $70,784 in 2021.
The transition to a Hispanic Majority neighborhood reflects a trend observed in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in regions with historically significant immigrant populations. This shift often brings cultural changes, new businesses, and community dynamics that can reshape the character of a neighborhood.
Allentown's 1st Ward has undergone a significant demographic transition over the past decade, evolving into a Hispanic Majority neighborhood with concurrent economic growth. This transformation reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas and demonstrates the potential for demographic changes to coincide with economic development in local communities.
