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Demographic Analysis of Belle Isle: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Belle Isle, a neighborhood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, exhibits a Low Diversity profile with a White Majority. The white population comprises 71% of residents as of 2022. The neighborhood is characterized by high median incomes, with 2022 figures at $96,615, exceeding the national average. Belle Isle is known for its upscale residential areas and proximity to Penn Square Mall, a major shopping destination in Oklahoma City.
Over the past decade, Belle Isle has maintained its status as a predominantly white neighborhood but has shown signs of gradual diversification. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having Low Diversity with 78% of the population being white. By 2022, while still in the Low Diversity category, the white population decreased to 71%, indicating a slow but steady trend towards increased diversity.
The most notable changes have been in the Hispanic and Black populations. The Hispanic population grew from 5% in 2013 to 11% in 2020, before dropping to 5% in 2022. The Black population has shown a consistent increase from 3% in 2013 to 8% in 2022. The Asian population and those identifying as two or more races have also seen modest increases.
These shifts suggest that Belle Isle is slowly transitioning towards Moderate Diversity, although it has not yet reached that threshold. The community appears to be in the early stages of becoming a Transitional Community, particularly evident in the growth of multiracial and minority populations.
The demographic shifts in Belle Isle have occurred alongside a steady increase in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income rose from $84,087 to $96,615, an increase of about 15%. This economic growth may have attracted a more diverse population to the area, particularly professionals from various ethnic backgrounds.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. This suggests that the neighborhood's changing demographics are likely due to new residents moving in and possibly some long-term residents moving out, rather than significant overall population growth.
Belle Isle's trends align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and urban neighborhoods, particularly those with strong economic indicators. However, the pace of diversification in Belle Isle appears to be slower than national averages for similar urban areas.
The neighborhood's high median income and gradual diversification reflect a common pattern seen in affluent suburbs across the United States, where economic opportunities attract a more diverse population over time. However, the persistence of a strong white majority suggests that Belle Isle may have some factors slowing this diversification, such as housing costs or established community dynamics.
In comparison to Oklahoma City as a whole, which has been experiencing more rapid diversification, Belle Isle's changes are more gradual. This could indicate that the neighborhood remains a preferred enclave for higher-income white residents within the broader context of a diversifying city.
The unexpected drop in the Hispanic population between 2020 and 2022 is noteworthy and may warrant further investigation. It could be related to broader economic or policy changes, or it might be a data anomaly.
Belle Isle remains a predominantly white, affluent neighborhood, but shows early signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This gradual shift, coupled with rising incomes, suggests a neighborhood in the early stages of demographic change, likely influenced by broader economic and social trends in Oklahoma City and nationally.
