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Demographic Trends in Sheldon-Charter Oak: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Sheldon-Charter Oak neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut, is a Majority-Minority community with a Hispanic plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 3,155 and a median income of $45,632. This area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hartford and contains several historical sites, including the Colt Armory complex.
Over the past decade, Sheldon-Charter Oak has maintained its status as a Majority-Minority community. The Hispanic population has remained the largest group, though its share has decreased from 50% in 2013 to 42% in 2022. The neighborhood has shifted towards greater diversity. In 2013, it had low diversity with Hispanic dominance. By 2022, it evolved into a moderately diverse community with significant representation from Hispanic (42%), Black (24%), and White (18%) populations.
The Asian population increased from 14% in 2013 to 15% in 2021, though it declined to 11% in 2022. The Black population fluctuated, increasing from 19% in 2013 to 24% in 2022, showing a trend towards greater representation.
The economic landscape of Sheldon-Charter Oak has shown improvement over the past decade. The median income has risen from $30,960 in 2013 to $45,632 in 2022, representing a 47% increase over nine years. The overall population has remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 3,295 in 2013 to 3,155 in 2022. The neighborhood showed economic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, with median income peaking at $50,755 in 2021 before slightly decreasing in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Sheldon-Charter Oak reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the Asian and Black populations aligns with national patterns of increasing minority representation in many U.S. cities. The income growth in the neighborhood outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Sheldon-Charter Oak saw a 47% increase, indicating local economic improvement.
The neighborhood's median income in 2022 ($45,632) falls below the national median household income (approximately $70,000 in 2022), suggesting room for economic development. The stability in population despite economic growth could indicate gentrification pressures, with rising incomes potentially pricing out some long-term residents while attracting new, higher-income residents. This dynamic warrants consideration in local urban planning and community development efforts to ensure inclusive growth and preservation of the neighborhood's diverse character.
