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Demographic Analysis of Eastern State Hospital Neighborhood: Transition to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Eastern State Hospital neighborhood in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, is classified as a "White Majority" area with 62% of the population identifying as white in 2022. This neighborhood has experienced significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade. Eastern State Hospital, one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the United States, is located in this area, potentially influencing its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
The neighborhood has undergone a notable transition in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, it was categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" area, with 55% white and 33% black populations. By 2015, it briefly shifted to a "Majority-Minority" status, with the white population decreasing to 39% and the black population increasing to 43%. From 2016 to 2019, the area fluctuated between "Moderate Diversity" and "White Plurality" categories. Since 2020, the neighborhood has solidified its status as a "White Majority" area, with the white population increasing from 60% in 2020 to 62% in 2022.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, when the area was more diverse, median incomes ranged from about $19,000 to $31,000. As the white population became the majority from 2020 onwards, there was a significant increase in median income. It rose from $31,110 in 2019 to $39,155 in 2020, reaching $41,458 in 2021. This increase in median income coinciding with the shift to a White Majority suggests that higher-income white residents may have moved into the area.
The demographic changes in Eastern State Hospital neighborhood appear to be more pronounced than typical national trends. While many urban areas across the U.S. have been experiencing increasing diversity, this neighborhood has become less diverse over time. The rapid increase in median income is also notable and exceeds national averages. This could indicate a localized gentrification process, possibly influenced by urban renewal efforts or changes in the nearby Eastern State Hospital facility.
The presence of the psychiatric hospital may contribute to the unique demographic and economic patterns observed. The hospital could be a significant employer in the area, and changes in its operations or patient demographics might influence the broader neighborhood trends.
The Eastern State Hospital neighborhood has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse area to a White Majority community with substantially higher median incomes. These changes suggest complex socio-economic dynamics, potentially involving gentrification, changing institutional influences, and shifting housing patterns.
