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Demographic Analysis of South Lake Morton: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Lake Morton, a neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 79% of the neighborhood, while the median income is $53,296. This area is known for its historic district status, featuring early 20th-century architecture and a picturesque lake.
Over the past decade, South Lake Morton has undergone a subtle but notable transition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity with a stronger White Majority (84%). By 2022, while still maintaining Low Diversity status, the white population decreased to 79%, indicating a slow but steady shift towards increased diversity.
The most significant change has been the growth of the Hispanic population, which increased from 6% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. This trend suggests that South Lake Morton may be in the early stages of becoming a Transitional Community, particularly with respect to its Hispanic population. The black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 1% and 8% over the decade, while the Asian and two or more races categories have shown slight increases, contributing to the gradual diversification of the neighborhood.
The median income in South Lake Morton has seen substantial growth, rising from $44,309 in 2013 to $53,296 in 2022, representing a 20.3% increase. This economic improvement correlates with the subtle demographic shifts, suggesting that the neighborhood may be attracting a more diverse, potentially younger, and upwardly mobile population. The population has fluctuated over the years, with a notable increase from 1,752 in 2019 to 2,213 in 2022.
The gradual diversification of South Lake Morton aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban neighborhoods. However, the pace of change in this neighborhood appears to be slower than national averages. The economic growth in South Lake Morton outpaces the national median household income growth rate, which increased by approximately 13% from 2013 to 2022.
The increasing Hispanic population in South Lake Morton reflects a broader trend seen across Florida and many parts of the United States. However, the neighborhood's overall demographic composition remains less diverse than Florida as a whole, which has a more balanced mix of racial and ethnic groups. While South Lake Morton maintains its status as a predominantly white, low-diversity neighborhood, it shows signs of gradual transition. The increasing Hispanic population, rising median incomes, and recent population growth suggest that the neighborhood may be on the cusp of more significant demographic and economic changes in the coming years.
