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Demographic Analysis of Forest Heights, Louisiana: Shifts in Racial Composition and Income Levels
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Forest Heights, a neighborhood in Central, Louisiana, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood features an approximately equal distribution of Black and White residents, with a notable Hispanic presence. The median income in 2022 was $72,989, indicating a relatively affluent area in Louisiana.
Forest Heights has experienced subtle but significant demographic changes over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having a "White Plurality," with 47% White residents and 43% Black residents. By 2022, the community had shifted to a more balanced "Moderate Diversity" status, with Black residents comprising 44% and White residents 41% of the population. The Hispanic population has grown steadily, increasing from 9% in 2013 to 13% in 2022, contributing to the area's increasing diversity.
The demographic shifts in Forest Heights correlate with economic changes. The median income has grown overall, rising from $68,078 in 2013 to $72,989 in 2022, an increase of about 7.2%. This growth has not been linear. A notable dip in median income occurred between 2014 and 2016, coinciding with a period of population decrease and slight increases in the Black and Hispanic populations.
The years 2018-2021 saw a significant increase in median income, peaking at $78,181 in 2021. This period also saw a slight increase in the White population percentage, suggesting a possible influx of higher-income residents. However, the most recent data from 2022 shows a slight reversal of this trend, with income decreasing and the Black population percentage increasing again.
The demographic changes in Forest Heights reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population mirrors national patterns of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities and suburbs. The economic resilience of Forest Heights, maintaining and even increasing median income levels despite demographic shifts, is notable. This suggests that the neighborhood has managed to attract or retain higher-income residents across racial groups.
The population fluctuations, with a general downward trend from 7,311 in 2010 to 6,197 in 2022, could indicate changing housing preferences or economic pressures. However, the maintenance of relatively high median incomes suggests that those leaving may be replaced by higher-earning households, potentially indicating a gradual gentrification process.
Forest Heights presents a dynamic picture of demographic and economic change. Its evolution from a White Plurality to a more balanced Moderate Diversity community, coupled with overall income growth, suggests a neighborhood in transition. The challenge for local policymakers and community leaders will be to maintain this diversity and economic strength while ensuring the area remains accessible and welcoming to all residents.
