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Demographic Analysis of Washington Shores: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Orlando
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Washington Shores, a neighborhood in Orlando, Florida, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong Black majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 1,067 and a median income of $49,113. Washington Shores is historically significant as one of Orlando's first planned Black communities, established in the 1940s during the era of racial segregation.
Over the past decade, Washington Shores has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong Black majority. In 2013, the Black population comprised 83% of the neighborhood, and this percentage has remained relatively stable, reaching 79% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown a steady increase, from 14% in 2013 to 20% in 2022. The White population has decreased from 2% in 2013 to 1% in 2022. The neighborhood has consistently shown no significant presence of Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, or multiracial populations throughout the decade.
The economic landscape of Washington Shores has experienced notable fluctuations over the past decade. The median income has shown significant variability. It started at $26,889 in 2013, peaked at $61,004 in 2021, and then decreased to $49,113 in 2022. Despite the fluctuations, the overall trend shows improvement, with the 2022 median income being nearly double that of 2013. The population has also shown variations, ranging from a low of 894 in 2019 to a high of 1,390 in 2014. The current population of 1,067 in 2022 represents a moderate decline from the peak but an increase from the lowest point.
The continued high concentration of Black residents in Washington Shores reflects broader patterns of racial segregation that persist in many American cities, despite overall increases in diversity nationwide. The income volatility observed in Washington Shores is often characteristic of historically marginalized communities, which can be more vulnerable to economic shocks and slower to benefit from broader economic growth. The steady increase in the Hispanic population aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in traditionally Black neighborhoods, often leading to new cultural dynamics and economic opportunities. Despite challenges, the overall income growth over the decade suggests a degree of economic resilience and potential for community development.
Washington Shores exemplifies a community grappling with the legacy of historical segregation while showing signs of gradual demographic shifts and economic improvement. The neighborhood's journey reflects broader national conversations about racial integration, economic opportunity, and the evolving nature of urban communities.
