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Demographic Analysis of Doling Park, Springfield: A Predominantly White Neighborhood with Subtle Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Doling Park, a neighborhood in Springfield, Missouri, exhibits a "Low Diversity" demographic profile with a "White Majority" of 87% as of 2022. The area has experienced moderate economic growth over the past decade, with median income rising from $26,736 in 2013 to $32,123 in 2022. Doling Park is home to one of Springfield's oldest public parks, established in 1882.
Throughout the observed period (2013-2022), Doling Park has consistently maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a "White Majority." The white population percentage has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 85% and 89%. There has been a slight increase in Hispanic representation, growing from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has shown growth, increasing from 3% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. Black representation peaked at 6% in 2018-2019 but has since decreased to 2% in 2022.
The median income in Doling Park has shown an overall upward trend, increasing by about 20% from 2013 to 2022. There was a significant jump in median income from $28,414 in 2018 to $32,336 in 2019 (a 13.8% increase). The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $35,305, before dropping to $32,123 in 2022. The population has decreased from 7,632 in 2013 to 6,326 in 2022, a decline of about 17%.
The increasing median income alongside a decreasing population could suggest a gentrification process, potentially pricing out some lower-income residents and attracting higher-income households.
Doling Park's gradual increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations aligns with national trends. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the Hispanic population grew by 23% between 2010 and 2020, and the multiracial population saw a 276% increase nationally.
The neighborhood's median income growth of 20% over a decade is slightly below the national average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national median household income increased by about 24% between 2013 and 2022.
The population decline in Doling Park contrasts with the overall growth trend of Springfield, which has seen a population increase of about 5% from 2010 to 2020. This localized decline might indicate specific challenges or changes within the Doling Park neighborhood.
While Doling Park remains a "Low Diversity" area with a strong "White Majority," subtle demographic shifts and economic changes suggest a neighborhood in gradual transition. The increasing Hispanic and multiracial populations, coupled with rising median incomes and decreasing overall population, indicate a community experiencing slow but noticeable demographic and economic evolution.
