Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of West Campus, Columbus: White Majority with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Campus, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, exhibits a "White Majority" demographic profile with 72% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The area demonstrates moderate diversity, with Asian (12%) and Black (8%) populations. The neighborhood's median income was $78,113 in 2022. West Campus is likely associated with The Ohio State University, given its name and location.
Over the past decade, West Campus has maintained its status as a "White Majority" community, with a gradual trend towards increased diversity. The white population decreased from 77% in 2013 to 72% in 2022, while other racial groups experienced modest increases. The Asian population decreased from 19% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, remaining the second-largest racial group. The Black population increased from 2% in 2013 to 8% in 2022.
The neighborhood has been moving towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with three racial groups each representing over 5% of the population by 2022. This shift suggests a "Transitional Community" status, as the racial makeup has been changing steadily over the observed period.
The median income in West Campus has fluctuated over the years. From $86,939 in 2014, it dropped to $70,267 in 2019, before increasing to $92,781 in 2021 and settling at $78,113 in 2022. These fluctuations may relate to changes in the student and faculty population associated with the nearby university, as well as broader economic trends.
The periods of lower median income (2016-2020) coincide with a slight increase in racial diversity, particularly growth in the Hispanic and Black populations. This could suggest that as the neighborhood became more accessible to a wider range of income levels, it also became more diverse.
The demographic shifts observed in West Campus align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly those near large universities. The gradual decrease in the white majority and increase in other racial groups is consistent with many U.S. cities' experiences over the past decade.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp rise in median income in 2021 followed by a decrease in 2022, may reflect the broader economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery. The overall trend of increasing median income suggests that West Campus has maintained its economic stability, likely buoyed by its association with the university.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations, indicating that the neighborhood has not experienced significant gentrification or displacement despite the income changes. This stability, combined with increasing diversity, suggests that West Campus may be evolving into a more inclusive community while maintaining its core character as a university-adjacent neighborhood.
