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Demographic Analysis of West Morgan Park: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Morgan Park, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a predominantly White population (83% as of 2022). The area has maintained a relatively stable racial composition over the past decade, though slight shifts are notable. Economically, West Morgan Park has a high median income of $99,068 in 2022, significantly above the national average. This affluent, predominantly white neighborhood is known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, offering a suburban feel within the city limits of Chicago.
Throughout the observed period (2013-2022), West Morgan Park has consistently fallen under the Low Diversity category, with the White population maintaining a clear majority. There have been subtle shifts within this overall stability. The White population percentage fluctuated slightly, reaching a peak of 87% in 2020-2021 before slightly decreasing to 83% in 2022. The Black population showed minor variations, ranging from 5% to 12% over the years. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, hovering around 4-8%. A notable increase in the "Two or More Races" category occurred, rising from 0% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, potentially indicating a gradual trend towards increased diversity.
The economic trajectory of West Morgan Park has been generally positive, with median income rising from $90,748 in 2013 to $99,068 in 2022, an increase of about 9.2% over the decade. This trend suggests a growing affluence in the area, which may have implications for housing affordability and demographic composition. The population has shown a slight decline from 3,311 in 2013 to 2,744 in 2022, a decrease of about 17%. This population decrease, coupled with rising incomes, might indicate a trend of larger, more affluent households replacing smaller or less affluent ones.
The correlation between demographic and economic trends is subtle but noteworthy. As the area maintained its status as a predominantly White, affluent neighborhood, it saw a gradual increase in median income. This could suggest that the neighborhood's demographic stability and increasing wealth may be mutually reinforcing, potentially making it challenging for more diverse populations to move into the area due to rising costs.
When compared to broader trends in Chicago and the United States, West Morgan Park's demographic stability stands out. Many urban areas across the country have experienced more significant increases in diversity over the past decade. Chicago as a whole has seen growing Hispanic and Asian populations and a decreasing White population percentage. The neighborhood's economic trajectory aligns with national trends of income growth in affluent areas, but its population decrease contrasts with the growth seen in many urban neighborhoods. This could indicate that West Morgan Park is experiencing a form of "exclusionary affluence," where rising property values and living costs may be limiting population growth and diversity.
In conclusion, while West Morgan Park has remained a Low Diversity, predominantly White neighborhood over the past decade, subtle shifts towards slightly increased diversity are becoming apparent. The area's growing affluence, coupled with a decreasing population, suggests a complex interplay between economic and demographic factors that may shape the neighborhood's future character and accessibility.
