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University City: Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
University City, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, currently exhibits a High Diversity demographic profile. As of 2022, no single racial group comprises more than 40% of the population, with representation from White (46%), Asian (24%), and Black (15%) residents. The neighborhood's median income of $37,041 in 2022 reflects an increase from previous years. University City is home to institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, which likely influences its demographic makeup.
Over the past decade, University City has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority with 58% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, it had transitioned to a High Diversity classification. This shift is marked by a decline in the white population percentage (from 58% to 46%) and increases in other racial groups, particularly Asian (21% to 24%) and Black (11% to 15%) populations.
The Hispanic population has grown from 5% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. This trend indicates that University City has become a Transitional Community, with increasing representation from various racial groups contributing to its growing diversity.
The demographic shifts in University City correlate with economic trends. The median income has increased from $30,901 in 2013 to $37,041 in 2022, a rise of approximately 20%. This economic improvement coincides with the neighborhood's transition to greater diversity. The population has grown from 17,308 in 2013 to 18,679 in 2022, indicating that the neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to new residents.
The trends observed in University City align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly those associated with higher education institutions. The economic growth in University City, as evidenced by the rising median income, outpaces the national average. The U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022, while University City's growth was 20%.
The transition from a White Majority to High Diversity status in less than a decade is more rapid than typical national trends. This quick transformation may be driven by the influx of diverse student and professional populations associated with the universities, as well as broader urban renewal efforts in Philadelphia.
University City's demographic evolution over the past decade reflects a trend towards increased diversity and economic growth. This transformation aligns with but outpaces national trends, positioning the neighborhood as a dynamic area within Philadelphia's urban landscape.
