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Racial Composition and Demographics of Wesleyan Hill: A Study of a Black Majority Neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wesleyan Hill, a neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a strong Black majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 2,121 residents, with 85% identifying as Black. The median income of $30,520 in 2022 indicates a lower-middle-income community. Wesleyan Hill has maintained its predominantly Black population over the past decade, showing stability in its racial composition despite broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), Wesleyan Hill has consistently fallen under the "Low Diversity" category, with the Black population dominating at over 75% each year. The Black population percentage peaked at 91% in 2016-2017 but has since slightly decreased to 85% in 2022. The White population has shown a gradual increase from 4% in 2017 to 9% in 2022. The population identifying as Two or More Races has increased from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. A small Hispanic population (2%) emerged in 2022, indicating the beginnings of a potential "Transitional Community" status.
The median income in Wesleyan Hill has shown significant fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, the median income remained relatively stable, hovering around $21,000-$24,000. A notable increase occurred in 2020-2021, with the median income peaking at $40,265 in 2021. However, 2022 saw a decline to $30,520, though still higher than pre-2020 levels. These economic shifts do not appear to correlate strongly with the subtle demographic changes.
Population figures have remained relatively stable, with a slight overall decrease from 2,294 in 2010 to 2,121 in 2022. This stability suggests that while there have been minor changes in racial composition, there has not been a significant influx or exodus of any particular group.
Wesleyan Hill's demographic stability contrasts with national trends, where many urban areas have seen increasing diversity and gentrification. The neighborhood's persistent Black Majority and relatively low median income suggest it may be experiencing slower economic growth compared to national averages. The recent uptick in median income, particularly in 2020-2021, could indicate the beginning of economic revitalization. However, the subsequent decrease in 2022 highlights the potential volatility of such changes in lower-income neighborhoods.
The emergence of a small Hispanic population and the gradual increase in residents identifying as Two or More Races align with broader national trends of increasing diversity, albeit at a much slower pace in Wesleyan Hill. While Wesleyan Hill remains a Low Diversity, Black Majority neighborhood, subtle shifts in its demographic makeup and fluctuating economic indicators suggest the potential for gradual change. Monitoring these trends in the coming years will be crucial to understanding whether Wesleyan Hill is on the cusp of more significant demographic and economic transitions.
