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Demographic Analysis of Lake Meadows: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Chicago
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lake Meadows, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits characteristics of a "Black Majority" community. In 2022, 77% of its population identified as Black. The neighborhood's median income was $47,616 in 2022. Lake Meadows is known for its mid-century modern residential development, which was part of urban renewal efforts in the 1950s.
Over the past decade, Lake Meadows has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community. The Black population increased from 68% in 2013 to 77% in 2022. The Asian population decreased from 28% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 0% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The White population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3-8% throughout the decade.
The median income in Lake Meadows has fluctuated over the decade. It peaked at $53,652 in 2017, reached a low of $45,541 in 2018, and was $47,616 in 2022. The strengthening of the Black majority coincided with periods of lower median income. Years with higher Asian population percentages saw slightly higher median incomes. The recent increase in Hispanic population aligns with a slight recovery in median income from its 2018 low.
Population figures show a slight overall decline from 3,431 in 2013 to 3,258 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. This modest population loss, combined with shifting demographics and variable incomes, suggests a neighborhood in transition.
The demographic trends in Lake Meadows reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas. The decline in the Asian population might be part of a wider trend of Asian Americans moving to suburbs or other urban neighborhoods. The slight increase in Hispanic population aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in urban areas. The strengthening Black majority in Lake Meadows contrasts with some other urban areas experiencing gentrification and demographic shifts away from historically Black neighborhoods.
The income fluctuations in Lake Meadows may reflect wider economic trends, including the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The neighborhood's median income remains below the national median, indicating ongoing economic challenges.
Lake Meadows presents a picture of a predominantly Black neighborhood experiencing subtle demographic shifts and economic fluctuations. While maintaining its core identity, the community shows signs of gradual change, potentially influenced by broader urban demographic trends and economic factors affecting many American cities.
