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Franklinville, Philadelphia: A Study of Black and Hispanic Population Dynamics
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Franklinville, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, exhibits a Racial Plurality with a Black plurality (51% in 2022), followed by a significant Hispanic population (44% in 2022). This community has Moderate Diversity, with two major racial groups representing the majority of the population. As of 2022, Franklinville had a population of 8,009 and a median income of $20,473, indicating a lower-income urban area. Franklinville has historical significance in Philadelphia's industrial past, with repurposed old factories and warehouses.
Over the past decade, Franklinville has experienced subtle shifts in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had an almost even split between Black and Hispanic populations (48% each), qualifying it as a Majority-Minority area with High Diversity. By 2022, the community transitioned to a Black Plurality (51%), with the Hispanic population decreasing to 44%. This shift suggests a gradual change in the neighborhood's demographic makeup. The White population has remained consistently low throughout the decade, never exceeding 5%. The Asian population has shown a slight increase from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022.
The median income in Franklinville has fluctuated over the years, showing an overall increasing trend despite volatility. In 2013, the median income was $19,136, dropping to $15,089 in 2017 before rising to $21,970 in 2021 and slightly decreasing to $20,473 in 2022. This upward trend in income could be correlated with the slight increase in the Black population and minor growth in the Asian population. The population has also shown fluctuations, with a low of 6,912 in 2017 coinciding with the lowest median income. The subsequent population increase to 8,009 in 2022 aligns with the overall rise in median income.
Franklinville's demographic and economic trends reflect broader patterns seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The shift towards a Black Plurality with a strong Hispanic presence is reminiscent of changing demographics in other major cities, where historically African American neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of Hispanic residents.
The median income, while showing improvement, remains significantly below the national median. However, the upward trend in both population and income since 2017 suggests a period of revitalization. The Moderate Diversity of Franklinville, with its strong representation of Black and Hispanic populations, reflects a broader national trend of increasing diversity in urban areas. The relatively low representation of other racial groups distinguishes it from some other major urban centers.
Franklinville presents a picture of a neighborhood in transition, maintaining its status as a diverse, majority-minority community while experiencing gradual economic improvement. These changes suggest ongoing demographic shifts and potential urban renewal efforts that could continue to shape the character and opportunities within this historic Philadelphia neighborhood.
