Geography and Development
The South Bronx, located in New York City, is a diverse, rapidly emerging community centered in the north part of the Bronx neighborhood. It is bordered geographically by the Harlem River to the West, the East River to the South and Southeast, and the Bronx River to the East (Allen & Nolan, 2022). The district also encompasses several neighborhoods, such as Mott Haven, Hunts Point, Melrose, Morrisania, and Port Maurice.
The South Bronx has experienced considerable development over the years. Originally, it was a predominantly manufacturing district characterized by factories, storage facilities, and prosperous shipping due to its prime location along the waterways. However, since the middle of the 20th century, the community has experienced significant obstacles: financial decline, social challenges, and urban decay (Allen & Nolan, 2022). In recent years, a combined effort has been launched to regenerate the South Bronx and resolve its social and monetary concerns. The South Bronx has witnessed a residential renaissance of development projects, urban parks, arts and cultures, and creative initiatives that recognize the resilience and creativity of its inhabitants.
South Bronx Community Demographics
Total Population and Population Density
The South Bronx is a mainly residential community with a reported total population of roughly 600,000 inhabitants, according to the latest statistics released (Allen & Nolan, 2022). The population density is 12,242.2/km2 due to the limited geographical area and high-rise residential complexes located in the area (Allen & Nolan, 2022).
Socioeconomic Characteristics
The South Bronx has a reputation for being a predominantly low-income and disadvantaged residential area. Many inhabitants face material issues, and a substantial number of them live under the poverty level (Allen & Nolan, 2022). The South Bronx’s unemployment rate at 7.30% is generally higher than in other New York City boroughs, further exacerbating social inequality.
Racial and Ethnicities Distribution
The South Bronx is an extraordinarily diverse neighborhood that demonstrates a high degree of racial and ethnic background. The population is comprised largely of Latinos, African Americans, and Afro-Caribbeans (Allen & Nolan, 2022). In addition, the community is home to a wide variety of ethnicities and cultures, enhancing its cultural complexity.
Common Knowledge, Beliefs, Values, and Religious Affiliations
The South Bronx neighborhood is known for its resiliency and solidarity. There is a robust spirit of unity and civic activism among its members. Various cultural celebrations, special events, and community celebrations emphasize the strong sense of shared community values, such as unity, strength, and a deep sense of identity (Pala et al., 2019). In terms of religion, the South Bronx is culturally diverse, with people of many different faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other beliefs. This affiliation has contributed to the multi-cultural and interracial neighborhood nature of the borough.
Vital Statistics – Mortality and Morbidity Data
The mortality rate in the South Bronx is generally higher than the New York City rate, mainly due to socioeconomic conditions such as limited access to healthcare, impaired living standards, and a higher occurrence of chronic diseases. The total mortality rate per 100,000 population is 794.0. The percentage of premature deaths is 52.6% of the total sample of deaths (Pala et al., 2019). The death rate from heart disease per 100,000 population is 208.0, the death rate from diabetes is 48.0, and the death rate from asthma is 48.7 (Pala et al., 2019).
Impact of Demographic Data on Community Health
Demographic data emphasizes the immediate necessity for targeted public health actions to eliminate health disadvantages in the South Bronx (Pala et al., 2019). Economic deprivation and reduced access to healthcare substantially affect the health of the population and require ongoing capacity-building initiatives.
Housing
In the South Bronx, housing is comprised primarily of flats and multiple dwelling houses. Most residents are renters, since rental housing mostly prevails in this area. Single-family homes are less numerous in this densely residential area (Pala et al., 2019). The physical condition of the houses varies: many are in satisfactory state and others need repair. Many of them face constraints from aging facilities, maintenance concerns, and ongoing occupancy due to the increased housing shortage.
References
Allen, B., & Nolan, M. L. (2022). Impact of a homeless encampment closure on crime complaints in the Bronx, New York City, 2017: Implications for municipal policy. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 19(3), 356-366. Web.
Pala, D., Pagán, J., Parimbelli, E., Rocca, M. T., Bellazzi, R., & Casella, V. (2019). Spatial enablement to support environmental, demographic, socioeconomics, and health data integration and analysis for big cities: A case study with asthma hospitalizations in new York City. Frontiers in Medicine, 6, 84-90. Web.