Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Sawmill Forest: A White Majority Neighborhood with Growing Asian Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sawmill Forest, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by a white majority with significant Asian representation. As of 2022, the community displays moderate diversity with a white population of 73% and an Asian population of 19%. The neighborhood has a high median income of $138,682, which is above the national average. Sawmill Forest is known for its well-maintained parks and proximity to the Scioto River.
Over the past decade, Sawmill Forest has maintained its status as a white majority community, but with noticeable fluctuations in diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had low diversity with 75% white population. By 2017, it transitioned to moderate diversity as the white population decreased to 72% and the Asian population increased to 17%. This trend has largely continued, with some years showing potential for high diversity as multiple racial groups gained significant representation.
The Asian population has shown the most consistent growth, rising from 15% in 2013 to 19% in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. This suggests a gradual shift towards increased diversity, though not enough to classify Sawmill Forest as a transitional community in the strict sense of defined terms.
The demographic shifts in Sawmill Forest correlate with economic growth. The median income has risen from $98,594 in 2013 to $138,682 in 2022, an increase of over 40%. This economic growth coincides with the increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Asian population. The years with the highest median incomes (2019-2021) also saw some of the highest percentages of white residents (77-79%), suggesting that the economic growth may have attracted affluent residents across racial categories.
The population has grown from 2,683 in 2013 to 3,561 in 2022, a 33% increase. This population growth, combined with rising incomes, indicates that Sawmill Forest has become an increasingly desirable place to live, potentially driving both economic and demographic changes.
Sawmill Forest's demographic trends reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly the growth of Asian populations in affluent neighborhoods. However, the neighborhood's rate of diversification appears slower than national averages, maintaining a strong white majority throughout the decade. The economic growth in Sawmill Forest outpaces national trends significantly. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Sawmill Forest's grew by over 40%, indicating exceptional local economic conditions or particularly strong attraction for high-income residents.
Sawmill Forest represents a prosperous, predominantly white neighborhood that is gradually becoming more diverse, primarily through growth in its Asian population. This demographic shift, coupled with substantial economic growth, suggests a dynamic and evolving community that may continue to see changes in its racial and economic makeup in the coming years.
