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Demographic Analysis of Franklin Neighborhood in Marion, Indiana: Persistence of Low Diversity and Economic Challenges
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Franklin neighborhood in Marion, Indiana, is characterized by Low Diversity with a predominantly white population of 85% in 2022. This neighborhood has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade. Franklin is notable for its historical significance in Marion, featuring several well-preserved 19th-century buildings that reflect the city's industrial heritage.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Franklin has consistently been classified as a Low Diversity area, with the white population maintaining its status as the Racial Majority. The white population percentage fluctuated between 79% and 88% during this time, indicating minor changes in racial composition. A slight increase in diversity occurred from 2013 to 2016, with the white population decreasing from 86% to 79%, but this trend reversed in subsequent years. The Black population showed the most variability, ranging from 1% to 8% over the decade, while the Hispanic population remained relatively stable at 5-9%.
The economic landscape of Franklin has displayed a concerning downward trend. The median income decreased significantly from $34,612 in 2014 to $28,225 in 2022, representing a decline of approximately 18.5%. This economic decline coincides with a population decrease from 1,276 in 2014 to 1,002 in 2022, suggesting potential outmigration. The most pronounced decline in both population and median income occurred between 2019 and 2021, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The economic downturn does not appear to have dramatically altered the racial composition, as the neighborhood maintained its Low Diversity status. However, slight increases in minority populations during periods of economic decline (e.g., 2019-2022) might indicate that lower-income residents from diverse backgrounds are moving into the area as it becomes more affordable.
The trend of declining population in Franklin aligns with broader patterns observed in many Midwestern industrial cities, which have faced economic challenges and population loss in recent decades. The median income in Franklin ($28,225 in 2022) is significantly lower than the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that Franklin is experiencing more severe economic challenges compared to national averages. The persistent Low Diversity in Franklin contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. This could indicate that Marion, and specifically the Franklin neighborhood, may be experiencing slower demographic changes compared to more rapidly diversifying areas of the country.
In conclusion, Franklin has maintained its status as a Low Diversity neighborhood with a white Racial Majority, while experiencing notable economic challenges. The combination of population decline and decreasing median income suggests a community in transition, potentially struggling with issues common to many Midwestern industrial areas. Despite these challenges, the racial composition has remained relatively stable, indicating that economic factors have not yet significantly altered the demographic makeup of the neighborhood.
