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Demographic Analysis of Eastland: A White Majority Neighborhood with Changing Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Eastland, a neighborhood in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 74% of residents, with a Black minority of 18%. The median income in 2022 was $40,517, indicating a working-class to lower-middle-class economic profile. The neighborhood has experienced a population decline from 1,038 residents in 2010 to 734 in 2022.
Over the past decade, Eastland has maintained its White Majority status with fluctuations. In 2013, the white population was 70%. By 2017, the area transitioned to Moderate Diversity, with significant Black (19%) and Hispanic (19%) populations, while the white population decreased to 60%. However, by 2021-2022, the community reverted to a stronger White Majority.
The Black population has shown an upward trend, increasing from 8% in 2013 to 18% in 2022. The Hispanic population experienced a surge, peaking at 23% in 2015, followed by a decline to 5% by 2022. This pattern suggests a temporary influx followed by outmigration of Hispanic residents.
The median income in Eastland has grown overall, rising from $28,236 in 2013 to $40,517 in 2022, an increase of approximately 43%. This growth has not been consistent, with a significant increase between 2013 and 2014 (from $28,236 to $39,650), followed by fluctuations. The period of highest diversity (2015-2017) coincided with slightly lower median incomes compared to the years immediately before and after.
The population decline from 1,038 in 2010 to 734 in 2022 is substantial and may be attributed to factors such as housing affordability, job opportunities, or changing neighborhood preferences. The most significant decline occurred between 2021 and 2022, possibly indicating recent economic or social pressures.
The demographic shifts in Eastland reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. However, the recent reversal of this trend, with a return to a stronger White Majority, diverges from national patterns of increasing diversity. The median income growth in Eastland, while positive, may not have kept pace with national averages, potentially indicating economic challenges specific to this area or the broader Lexington-Fayette region.
Eastland presents a complex picture of demographic and economic change. It has maintained its White Majority status while experiencing periods of increased diversity followed by demographic consolidation. The economic improvements, as reflected in rising median incomes, have been offset by a significant population decline, suggesting a neighborhood in transition facing both opportunities and challenges.
