Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Oakwood Gardens: A White Majority Neighborhood with Fluctuating Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oakwood Gardens, a neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a strong White Majority. In 2022, the white population comprised 76% of the neighborhood, while Asian and Hispanic communities each represented 8-10%. The median income in 2022 was $60,453, indicating a middle-class suburban area. The neighborhood experienced significant population growth, increasing from 1,214 residents in 2015 to 1,768 in 2022.
Over the past decade, Oakwood Gardens has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but with notable fluctuations. In 2013, it was a Low Diversity area with 84% white population. From 2016 to 2018, the neighborhood briefly transitioned towards Moderate Diversity, with the Asian population reaching 21% in 2018 and the white population decreasing to 65%. This trend reversed in subsequent years, returning to Low Diversity by 2020.
The Asian population has shown the most significant variability, peaking at 21% in 2018 before declining to 10% by 2022. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, between 5-9% throughout the decade. The Black population has consistently been low, never exceeding 4%. This demographic evolution suggests a Transitional Community, particularly in terms of Asian representation, but with a tendency to revert to its predominantly white composition.
The median income in Oakwood Gardens has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $46,716 in 2013 to $60,453 in 2022, an increase of about 29%. This growth aligns with the neighborhood's demographic shifts, particularly the increase in Asian population between 2016 and 2018, which coincided with a rise in median income from $48,468 in 2015 to $55,957 in 2018. There was a dip in median income to $48,662 in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and a demographic shift back towards a higher white majority. However, the income quickly rebounded and continued its upward trajectory in 2021 and 2022.
The demographic trends in Oakwood Gardens contrast with broader national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban areas across the U.S. have seen growing minority populations and increased diversity, Oakwood Gardens has maintained its White Majority status, even after a brief period of increased diversity. The income growth in Oakwood Gardens outpaces the national average, which saw about a 15% increase in median household income from 2015 to 2022. This suggests that Oakwood Gardens is becoming increasingly affluent relative to national standards.
The neighborhood's resilience in maintaining its demographic composition, coupled with strong economic growth, may indicate a preference among residents for stability and familiarity. This could potentially lead to challenges in fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the future, even as the surrounding city of St. Petersburg may be experiencing different demographic trends.
