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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Steelton, Youngstown
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Steelton, a neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio, exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the community has a population of 1,178 and a median income of $34,829. Steelton's name likely reflects its historical connection to the steel industry, which was once a major economic driver in Youngstown.
Over the past decade, Steelton has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having a White Majority, with 70% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this had shifted to a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality (46% white, 38% black, and 6% Hispanic).
The most notable change occurred between 2019 and 2020, when the community transitioned from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority status. This shift was primarily driven by an increase in the black population from 33% to 42%, while the white population decreased from 52% to 46%. Throughout the decade, there has been a consistent increase in racial diversity, with growing representation from Hispanic and multiracial residents. This trend suggests that Steelton could be classified as a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in Steelton have coincided with significant economic changes. The median income has shown a substantial increase, rising from $23,913 in 2013 to $34,829 in 2022, representing a 45.6% growth over the decade. This economic improvement appears to correlate with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood.
The most significant income growth occurred between 2019 and 2021, coinciding with the shift to a Majority-Minority status. During this period, median income rose from $25,664 to $34,364, a 33.9% increase in just two years. The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 965 and 1,225 residents, with a slight overall increase from 1,089 in 2013 to 1,178 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in Steelton align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many rust belt cities, like Youngstown, have experienced similar transitions as they adapt to post-industrial economies. The increasing diversity often correlates with urban renewal efforts and changing economic opportunities.
The substantial income growth in Steelton, particularly since 2019, is noteworthy and outpaces national averages. This could indicate successful local economic development initiatives or the attraction of higher-paying jobs to the area.
Steelton's evolution from a predominantly White Majority neighborhood to a Moderately Diverse community with improving economic indicators reflects broader urban demographic trends. The correlation between increasing diversity and rising incomes suggests a positive trajectory for the neighborhood, potentially driven by urban renewal efforts and changing economic opportunities in the post-industrial landscape of Youngstown.
