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Upper Roxborough: A Study of Racial Demographics and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Upper Roxborough, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is characterized as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 74% of residents, with Black (14%) and Hispanic (6%) populations representing significant minority groups. The neighborhood has experienced population growth over the past decade, reaching 14,561 residents in 2022. Upper Roxborough has a high median income of $100,312 in 2022, exceeding the national average.
Over the past decade, Upper Roxborough has transitioned from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community. The White Majority decreased from 82% in 2013 to 74% in 2022, while other racial groups increased their representation. The Black population increased from 9% in 2013 to 14% in 2022, and the Hispanic population grew from 4% to 6% during this period.
The demographic shift in Upper Roxborough suggests a trend towards increasing diversity, though the community remains predominantly white. This change can be categorized as a Transitional Community, with consistent increases in minority populations over the years. The pace of change has been gradual rather than rapid.
The increasing diversity in Upper Roxborough has coincided with substantial economic growth. The median income increased from $77,098 in 2013 to $100,312 in 2022, a 30% increase over nine years. This trend suggests that the neighborhood has attracted affluent residents from diverse backgrounds. The population growth from 12,774 in 2013 to 14,561 in 2022 (a 14% increase) further underscores the neighborhood's attractiveness.
Upper Roxborough's demographic shifts align with broader national trends towards increasing diversity in suburban and urban-fringe areas. The neighborhood's economic trajectory is particularly notable, with its 30% increase in median income over nine years significantly outpacing the national average. The ability to maintain a high median income while diversifying suggests a unique dynamic where economic prosperity and increasing diversity are occurring simultaneously.
In the context of Philadelphia, Upper Roxborough stands out as an affluent enclave. Its median income is substantially higher than the city's overall median, which was around $49,127 in 2021. This highlights the neighborhood's distinct socio-economic position within the broader urban landscape.
Upper Roxborough presents a case of gradual, prosperity-linked diversification. While it remains a White Majority community, the trends suggest a continued trajectory towards greater diversity, coupled with strong economic performance. This pattern of change offers a model of neighborhood evolution that balances demographic shifts with economic growth.
