Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Virginia Ave Neighborhood: A Low Diversity, White Majority Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Virginia Ave neighborhood in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority of 84% as of 2022. This racial composition has remained consistent over the past decade. The neighborhood is characterized by low median incomes, with the most recent figure at $18,616 in 2022. The area's proximity to the University of Kentucky campus likely influences its demographic and economic characteristics.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), the Virginia Ave neighborhood has maintained a Low Diversity classification, with the White population as the dominant racial group. The White majority increased from 77% in 2013 to 84% in 2022, suggesting a gradual homogenization of the neighborhood's racial composition. Other racial groups experienced minor fluctuations, with the Asian population decreasing from 11% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, while the Black population remained relatively stable between 6-9%. Hispanic and Two or More Races categories maintained small but consistent representations of around 2-3% each.
The median income in the Virginia Ave neighborhood has shown a gradual increase over the years, rising from $16,059 in 2013 to $18,616 in 2022. This represents a modest growth of about 16% over nine years. The neighborhood experienced peak median income in 2018 at $19,856, followed by a slight decline in subsequent years. The population has fluctuated, with a peak of 4,369 residents in 2016 and a low of 3,369 in 2021. The most recent data for 2022 shows a slight recovery to 3,454 residents.
The demographic stability of the Virginia Ave neighborhood, maintaining a strong White majority, contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. The low and slowly growing median income is significantly below the national median household income, which was $70,784 in 2021. This difference emphasizes the unique economic character of the neighborhood, likely influenced by its student population.
The neighborhood's resistance to diversification over the past decade is noteworthy, considering the general trend of increasing diversity in many American cities and university areas. This could be due to specific local factors, such as housing policies, established community dynamics, or the demographics of the University of Kentucky student body.
In conclusion, the Virginia Ave neighborhood presents a picture of demographic stability with modest economic growth. Its consistent Low Diversity classification and low median income suggest a relatively homogeneous community, possibly dominated by student or low-income populations associated with the nearby university. The area's resistance to broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and university-adjacent areas makes it a unique case study in community demographics and economics.
