Fresh Kills on Dipity.
Below are graphs illustrating the demographics of Staten Island in comparison to Fresh Kills and some of the communities that border it.
Demographics – Ethnicity
According to the United States Census Bureau, the racial demographics of Staten Island is majority white, non-hispanics at 63.6% as of 2012. Hispanics account for 17.7% of the population, African Americans account for 11.6% of the population, and Asian Americans account for 7.9% of the population. The foreign-born population is 20.8% which is almost equivalent to NYC’s average at 22%, showing that Staten Island is becoming more diverse and is just as much of an immigrant destination as any other borough. In addition, over the last decade, Staten Island has experienced a 120% increase in number of foreign born residents along with a 24% increase in the overall population (Center for an Urban Future).
Demographics – Residential
Staten Island has historically had a higher percentage of white population that the other boroughs and aside from the North Shore has always been classified in low in diversity. Staten Island for the most part was a white suburban community. There was very few houses or apartments for rent and aside from some public housing the the North Shore, the majority of the property on Staten Island were owned for residence by the household. This is even evident today where the homeownership rate is 69.1% compared to 54.5% for New York City’s average (US Census Bureau). Due to mortgage loan discrimination, blacks had difficulty entering and there were not many options for rent available.
Demographics – Income
In our demographic study of Fresh Kills, we focused on three neighboring communities – New Springville, Arden Heights. and Travis-Chelsea. We found that zip codes were helpful in understanding and identifying demographic statistics in the neighborhoods. The area of Fresh Kills is centered among two zip codes (10314 and 10312), along with our selected surrounding neighborhoods. A recent Staten Island Advance analysis of the 2012 census data of incomes based on zip codes showed that the neighborhoods surrounding Fresh Kills is one of Staten Island’s richest areas based on median household income and zip code. In New Springville and Travis-Chelsea, both of which resides within the 10314 zip code, the median household income is $79,820 with an unemployment rate of 6.2%. Meanwhile, Arden Heights residing within the 10312 zip code has a median household income is $87,426, with an unemployment rate of 7.5%. Median household income varies as you go from north to south of Staten Island with the South Shore housing more of the wealthier residents that work primarily in management, business, science and arts occupations. Compared to one North Shore community in the 10303 area, which has a median household income of $50,137, the median household incomes of the neighborhoods surrounding Fresh Kills is greater than 60% and 70% respectively.
Demographics – Conclusion
Despite Staten Island’s white majority population, its political presence compared to the other boroughs or even neighborhoods in NYC is relatively small due to the much lower population and the spread of people throughout the island. The government of NYC took advantage of this along with the abundance of land to build a landfill on Staten Island.
Changes and Shifts in Demographics
A study by the Center for Urban Research on NYC Population Change (in Staten Island) – from 2000 to 2010.
Staten Island increased by more than 25,000 residents but White population has declined to 16,000. Latinos increased the most by 27,500 followed by Asians. The majority of Staten Island’s racial/ethnic demographic changes occurred on the North Shore.
RaceEthnic Change by Neighborhood 5-23-11 for more Ethnic Changes
Citations:
Urban Mapping, Inc. “Staten Island, New York Neighborhood Map.” City-Data. Urban Mapping, Inc., 2011. Web. 12 May 2014.
Tumarkin, Laurel, Jonathan Bowles, and Ahmad Dowla. Staten Island: Then and Now. New York City: Center for an Urban Future, 2011. NYC Future. The Center for an Urban Future, May 2011. Web. 18 May 2014.
United States Census Bureau. “Richmond County (Staten Island Borough), New York.” State and County QuickFacts. United States Census Bureau. Web. 18 May 2014.
The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY). “NYC Population Change.” Urban Research Maps. Center for Urban Research, 2011. Web. 22 May 2014.
