Demographic Analysis of Forest Hill Park: White Majority and Low Diversity in a Richmond Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Forest Hill Park in Richmond, Virginia, is characterized by Low Diversity with a predominantly White population of 79% in 2022. The neighborhood's population increased from 491 residents in 2010 to 539 in 2022. The median income in Forest Hill Park was $110,857 in 2022, which is above the national average. The area is known for its early 20th-century architecture and a large public park.
From 2013 to 2022, Forest Hill Park maintained a White Majority status, with the White population percentage ranging from 73% to 87%. The Black population varied between 9% and 19% without a clear trend. The Hispanic population remained below 1%. Other racial groups, including Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander, had minimal representation. A small increase in the "Two or More Races" category emerged in recent years, reaching 3% in 2021 and 2022. The neighborhood remained in the Low Diversity classification throughout the decade.
The median income in Forest Hill Park showed an overall upward trend from 2013 to 2022, increasing from $103,187 to $110,857, representing a 7.4% growth. A notable decrease occurred in 2016, with median income dropping to $88,636, before recovering and surpassing previous levels. The highest median income was recorded in 2022 at $110,857. These economic trends correlate with the sustained White Majority status and Low Diversity classification.
The median income in Forest Hill Park ($110,857 in 2022) is significantly higher than the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. The neighborhood's racial composition contrasts with broader trends in many urban areas, which have seen increasing diversity over the past decade. The stability of the White Majority in Forest Hill Park goes against the national trend of increasing racial diversity in many communities.
Forest Hill Park presents a picture of a stable, affluent, predominantly White neighborhood that has resisted broader trends towards increased diversity seen in many urban areas. The correlation between high median incomes and low diversity suggests that economic factors may play a significant role in maintaining the current demographic composition. As the community moves forward, it may face challenges in balancing its historic character and economic prosperity with the potential benefits of increased diversity and inclusivity.
