From The Peopling of New York City

Chinatown: The Biggest and Eldest Ethnic Enclave

Chinatown has a bigger of population of those 65 years old and over, when compared to the rest of New York City. Specifically, 16% of Chinatown includes this age range in comparison to the 12% of New York City. Incidentally, the English speaking skills of those living in Chinatown of this same age group is poor. According to a 2000 survey, 63% of this age group has a weak understanding of the English language. [1]

Also changing is the economic demographics of Chinatown which affects the type of people who choose to reside there. Though historically all types of Chinese immigrants settled here, the middle-class and upper class Chinese are now choosing to spread out everywhere, into wealthier areas.

People are immigrating from different parts of China now as well. The Fujian province has become a popular source of immigration to Chinatown, Manhattan.[2]

Additionally, until the era of the 1960s, most of the population consisted of Chinese immigrants who spoke Cantonese or Toisan. They came from Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, and a small group also came from Hakka. Few spoke Mandarin. In fact, Mandarin was a rare language, even until the 1980s. Now most speak Mandarin, from Mainland China, and also a huge group of people speak in Fuzhou. [3]

Peoplingofnewyork.jpg Another interesting demographic is that the population of Chinatown increases by over 4,000 people annually. This could potentially explain the crowded, and sometimes illegal, housing that is seen in apartments. [4]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.arch.columbia.edu/Studio/Spring2003/UP/Chinatown/neighborhood/economics.htm
  2. ↑ http://petercherches.blogspot.com/2006/12/has-midtown-trumped-chinatown.html
  3. ↑ http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Chinatown_Manhattan_-_Demographics/id/1222542
  4. ↑ http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/79674
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