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Demographic Analysis of Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates: A Study of Race and Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates neighborhood in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority of 88% as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced moderate economic growth over the past decade, with the median income increasing from $49,512 in 2013 to $64,914 in 2022. This area is located near the University of Kentucky, which may influence its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, the Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates neighborhood has maintained its status as a White Majority community. There has been a slight trend towards increased diversity. In 2013, the white population comprised 92% of the total, categorizing the area as Low Diversity. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 88%, still within the Low Diversity category but indicating a minor shift towards more racial representation.
The most significant changes have been observed in the Asian and Hispanic populations. The Asian population increased from 2% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. The Hispanic population fluctuated between 3-5% throughout the decade. The Black population doubled from 1% to 2% between 2013 and 2022. These changes, while modest, suggest a slow transition towards a more diverse community, potentially moving towards a Moderate Diversity classification in the future if trends continue.
The neighborhood has experienced consistent economic growth, with median income rising from $49,512 in 2013 to $64,914 in 2022, representing a 31% increase over nine years. This growth correlates with the subtle demographic shifts. The increase in median income coincides with the growth in Asian population, which often correlates with higher educational attainment and income levels. The rise in Hispanic population may be linked to increased economic opportunities in the area. The overall income growth might be attracting a more diverse population, albeit slowly.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 8,500 and 9,600 residents over the decade. This suggests that the neighborhood is experiencing economic growth without significant population expansion, potentially indicating rising property values and gentrification.
The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces inflation, suggesting real economic improvement. The persistent White Majority status, despite slight diversification, indicates that this neighborhood may be less diverse than national averages, which typically show more significant minority representation. The proximity to the University of Kentucky likely influences the area's demographics, potentially attracting a more educated and diverse population, albeit at a slower rate than might be expected for a university-adjacent neighborhood.
In conclusion, while the Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates neighborhood remains categorized as Low Diversity with a strong White Majority, subtle shifts in demographics and consistent economic growth suggest a slow transition towards increased diversity. This trend, if continued, could lead to more significant changes in the neighborhood's character and economic profile in the coming years.
