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Racial Composition and Economic Growth in South Wedge, Rochester: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Wedge, a neighborhood in Rochester, New York, maintained a "Racial Majority" status with a white population of 65% as of 2022. The area experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income increasing from $27,559 in 2013 to $48,894 in 2022. The neighborhood is known for its arts scene and historic architecture.
Over the past decade, South Wedge maintained its "Racial Majority" status, with the white population consistently representing over 50% of residents. In 2015, the neighborhood approached a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with the white population at 54% and increases in Hispanic and Black populations. The white majority subsequently strengthened, reaching 65% by 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable between 19-23% over the decade. The Hispanic population grew from 5% in 2013 to a peak of 13% in 2016, before settling at 9% in 2022.
The economic trajectory of South Wedge has been positive. Median income nearly doubled from 2013 to 2022, a 77% increase. This growth correlates with the strengthening of the white majority, particularly from 2019 onwards when significant income increases occurred. The period of greatest racial diversity (2015-2016) coincided with lower median incomes. As the racial composition stabilized and the white majority increased, median incomes also rose. This may suggest gentrification processes at work.
The population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3,200 and 3,700 residents throughout the decade. The slight increase in population from 3,448 in 2013 to 3,642 in 2022, alongside rising incomes, may indicate the neighborhood's growing attractiveness to more affluent residents.
The trends observed in South Wedge reflect broader patterns seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The process of gentrification, characterized by rising incomes and often accompanied by demographic shifts favoring white residents, is common in revitalizing urban areas. South Wedge's retention of a significant Black population (19% in 2022) suggests that the neighborhood has maintained some level of diversity despite economic changes.
The income growth in South Wedge outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), South Wedge saw a 77% increase, indicating a strong local economic uplift.
South Wedge has experienced a decade of economic growth and subtle demographic shifts, maintaining its status as a white-majority area while seeing significant increases in median income. These changes suggest a neighborhood in transition, balancing economic development with the challenges of maintaining diversity and affordability.
