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Demographic Analysis of Riverlakes: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Riverlakes, a neighborhood in Bakersfield, California, had a population of 3,774 and a median income of $82,638 in 2022. It is classified as a "White Plurality" community. The neighborhood shows moderate diversity, with significant Hispanic and Asian populations alongside the White plurality. Riverlakes is characterized by its suburban nature and proximity to recreational areas.
Over the past decade, Riverlakes has experienced a shift in its racial composition. In 2013, it was classified as a "White Majority" community with 58% of the population identifying as White. By 2022, this changed to a "White Plurality" (49%), indicating increased diversity. The Hispanic population grew from 26% in 2013 to 28% in 2022, peaking at 35% in 2020. The Asian population increased from 9% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. These trends suggest a transition towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification.
The community shows signs of being a "Transitional Community," particularly in the growth of the Hispanic population and the category of two or more races, which increased from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Riverlakes have been accompanied by changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood experienced income growth, with median income rising from $96,124 to $107,326. There was a decrease in 2020 to $81,420, possibly due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, there has been a slight recovery, with the 2022 median income at $82,638.
The period of highest income (2017-2019) coincided with a slight decrease in the White population percentage and increases in Hispanic and Asian populations. The population has shown consistent growth throughout the decade, increasing from 2,727 in 2013 to 3,774 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in Riverlakes reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have seen growth in Hispanic and Asian populations over the past decade, often accompanied by a relative decrease in the White population percentage.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the decrease in 2020, likely reflect the nationwide economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Riverlakes' median income remains above the national median ($69,021 as of 2022), suggesting that it remains an economically robust community.
The increasing diversity of Riverlakes, coupled with its sustained population growth and relatively high median income, indicates that the neighborhood has navigated demographic transitions while maintaining its economic appeal. This suggests a level of social and economic resilience that could serve as a model for other transitioning suburban communities across the United States.
