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Demographic Analysis of Boyle Park: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Boyle Park, a neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 53% of the neighborhood's residents. The median income is $39,737, and the population is 4,275, indicative of a working-class urban community. Boyle Park is notable for its recreational area, which includes a golf course and outdoor amenities.
Over the past decade, Boyle Park has experienced a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having a "Black Plurality," with the Black population at 49%. By 2016, it transitioned to a "Black Majority" status, exceeding the 50% threshold. This shift has been maintained through 2022, with the Black population percentage consistently above 50%.
The White population, which was 36% in 2013, has generally declined, reaching 35% by 2022. This trend suggests a gradual but steady demographic change, potentially indicating a "Transitional Community" in terms of racial composition. The Hispanic population has shown growth from 4% in 2017 to 7% in 2022, indicating an emerging diverse element in the neighborhood's composition.
The median income in Boyle Park has shown volatility over the years, but with a general upward trend. From $35,642 in 2013, it rose to $39,737 in 2022, representing an 11.5% increase over the decade. This growth has not been consistent, with fluctuations possibly reflecting broader economic challenges or shifts in the local job market.
The population of Boyle Park has fluctuated, reaching a peak of 5,238 in 2019 before declining to 4,275 in 2022. This population decrease coincides with a slight increase in median income, which could suggest a complex interplay of factors such as gentrification, housing market changes, or shifts in employment opportunities.
The demographic shifts in Boyle Park align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically mixed or predominantly White neighborhoods have transitioned to majority-minority status. The increase in the Hispanic population reflects national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various urban centers.
The economic trajectory of Boyle Park, with its modest income growth, appears to be lagging behind national averages. The U.S. median household income grew from $52,250 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021, a significantly larger increase than seen in Boyle Park. This disparity suggests that while the neighborhood is experiencing some economic growth, it may be facing challenges in keeping pace with national economic trends.
The population fluctuations in Boyle Park, particularly the recent decline, could be indicative of broader urban demographic shifts seen in many American cities, where factors such as suburbanization, changing housing preferences, or economic pressures influence population distribution.
Boyle Park presents a picture of a community in transition, maintaining its status as a Black Majority neighborhood while experiencing moderate economic growth and demographic diversification. These changes reflect both local dynamics and broader national trends in urban demographics and economics, highlighting the complex interplay of factors shaping America's urban landscapes.
