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Demographic Analysis of Chevy Chase-Ashland Park: A Predominantly White Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Chevy Chase-Ashland Park in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, is classified as a Low Diversity neighborhood with a White Majority. As of 2022, the racial composition consists of 90% white residents, with a median income of $101,737. This neighborhood is characterized by historic homes and tree-lined streets, positioning it as one of Lexington's most desirable areas.
Over the past decade, Chevy Chase-Ashland Park has maintained its Low Diversity status with a White Majority. However, subtle indications of a Transitional Community are emerging. The percentage of white residents has decreased from 94% in 2013 to 90% in 2022, while Hispanic and Black populations have shown small but consistent increases. The Hispanic population has grown from nearly non-existent in 2013 to 5% in 2022, indicating gradual diversification. The Black population has increased from 1% to 3% during this period. These changes suggest a slow trend towards increased diversity within the neighborhood.
The median income in Chevy Chase-Ashland Park has fluctuated over the years but remained generally high. It reached a peak of $116,667 in 2017, then experienced a decline, reaching a low of $91,686 in 2021 before increasing to $101,737 in 2022. This trend may be partially attributed to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The period of highest median income (2015-2019) coincides with the years when the neighborhood was at its least diverse, with white residents comprising 92-94% of the population. The slight increase in diversity in recent years has occurred alongside a moderate decrease in median income, though it remains above national averages.
The demographic shifts in Chevy Chase-Ashland Park, while slow, reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and historically white-majority neighborhoods. However, the pace of change here appears to be slower than in many other urban areas across the United States.
The neighborhood's high median income, even after recent decreases, places it above both the Kentucky state median ($52,238 in 2021) and the national median ($69,021 in 2021). This economic strength likely contributes to the neighborhood's stability and gradual nature of demographic changes.
The slight increase in diversity, particularly the growth in the Hispanic population, mirrors trends seen in many parts of the country. However, the persistence of a strong White Majority in Chevy Chase-Ashland Park suggests that socioeconomic factors, such as high property values and income levels, may be limiting more rapid diversification.
In conclusion, while Chevy Chase-Ashland Park remains a Low Diversity, White Majority neighborhood, subtle signs of transition are evident. The coming years may see a continuation of this gradual diversification trend, potentially influenced by broader economic shifts and changing demographics in the Lexington-Fayette urban area.
