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Demographic Analysis of Historic West Side: A Low Diversity, White Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Historic West Side neighborhood of Springfield, Illinois, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a White Majority comprising 75% of the population as of 2022. This neighborhood has experienced subtle demographic shifts and economic fluctuations over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, the Historic West Side has maintained its status as a White Majority area. The White population decreased from 79% in 2013 to 75% in 2022. The Black population increased slightly from 14% in 2013 to 15% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, showing the most significant increase among minority groups.
The median income in the Historic West Side has shown overall growth. In 2013, it was $47,372, and in 2022, it increased to $58,212. This represents a 22.9% increase over the decade. However, the population has decreased from 8,589 in 2013 to 7,611 in 2022, a 11.4% decline.
The inverse relationship between rising incomes and declining population could indicate gentrification processes, an aging population, or improved economic conditions allowing some residents to move to more desirable neighborhoods.
The demographic shifts in the Historic West Side align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide pattern of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities.
The economic improvements are notable, especially considering the challenges faced by many urban areas in the Midwest. However, the population decline mirrors issues faced by many smaller Midwestern cities struggling to retain residents.
The persistence of a White Majority in this neighborhood suggests that the Historic West Side may be experiencing slower demographic changes compared to more rapidly evolving urban areas across the country. This could be due to the neighborhood's historical character or broader economic factors specific to Springfield or Illinois.
In conclusion, the Historic West Side remains categorized as a Low Diversity, White Majority area. Subtle shifts in its demographic makeup and improvements in median income point to a neighborhood in slow transition. The challenge for local policymakers and community leaders will be to manage this transition while preserving the area's historical character and fostering inclusivity and economic opportunity for all residents.
