Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Lakewood: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lakewood, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 52% of the neighborhood. Lakewood has a median income of $32,353 and a population of 650, representing a small urban area that has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
Over the past decade, Lakewood has experienced a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by "Low Diversity" with a Black majority of 83%. By 2022, the community had evolved into a more diverse composition, while maintaining a "Black Majority" status. The most significant shift occurred between 2017 and 2022, where the Black population decreased from 63% to 52%. This period marked a transition from "Low Diversity" to bordering on "Moderate Diversity," as other racial groups gained more representation.
The demographic shifts in Lakewood correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2018, as the community began to diversify, there was an increase in median income from $21,490 to $44,284. This period of economic growth coincided with the gradual decrease in the Black majority and the increase in other racial groups. From 2019 to 2022, there was a decline in median income, dropping to $32,353. This decline occurred simultaneously with further diversification of the neighborhood, including the emergence of a significant Hispanic population.
The population of Lakewood has fluctuated over the years, with a decrease from 859 in 2010 to 650 in 2022. This population decline, combined with the changing racial composition and fluctuating income levels, indicates a neighborhood in transition, possibly facing gentrification pressures or other urban development challenges.
The trends observed in Lakewood align with patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The gradual diversification of traditionally Black-majority neighborhoods is a common phenomenon in many cities, often associated with changing urban demographics, economic development, and sometimes gentrification processes.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the rise and subsequent fall in median income, could reflect broader economic trends such as the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis followed by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lakewood presents a case study of a small urban neighborhood undergoing significant demographic and economic transitions. Its evolution from a low-diversity, predominantly Black community to a more diverse one, coupled with fluctuating economic indicators, reflects the complex dynamics of urban change in American cities. As Lakewood continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these demographic shifts impact community cohesion, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life for its residents.
