Summary of Major Trends in Pharmacy Access, Composition, and Structural Influences over Time
| Year | Total Pharmacies | Independent Pharmacies | Chain Pharmacies | Key Changes & Structural Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 1,598 | 1,388 | 154 | Dominance of local pharmacies; high geographic spread across the city. |
| 1960 | 1,424 | 1,212 | 151 | Rise of chain presence; start of suburban concentration. |
| 1983 | 853 | 703 | 137 | Sharp decline in independents; 1968 riots & Medicare/Medicaid impact. |
| 1991 | 605 | 439 | 154 | Chain pharmacies expand; public housing demolitions begin. |
| 2000 | 439 | 242 | 190 | Chains dominate; Redlined neighborhoods under‐served. |