Demographic Analysis of Western Hills and Yarborough Subdivision: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Shreveport, Louisiana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
The Western Hills and Yarborough Subdivision of Shreveport, Louisiana, is classified as a Black Majority neighborhood. In 2022, 58% of the population identified as Black. The area has faced economic challenges, with median income decreasing from $61,924 in 2018 to $47,772 in 2022. The neighborhood is characterized by residential areas near Cross Lake, offering suburban living with access to water-based recreation.
Over the past decade, the neighborhood has maintained its Black Majority status. The Black population decreased from 63% in 2013 to 58% in 2022. The White population fluctuated between 30-43%, increasing from 35% in 2013 to 38% in 2022. Other racial groups showed minimal representation until recently, with the Asian population growing from 0% to 3% between 2020 and 2022. These changes indicate a trend towards slightly increased diversity, though the neighborhood remains within the Black Majority classification.
The neighborhood has experienced significant economic volatility. Median income peaked at $61,924 in 2018 but declined to $47,772 in 2022, a 22.9% decrease. The population steadily decreased from 10,749 in 2013 to 9,509 in 2022, an 11.5% reduction. This decline in population coincides with the decrease in median income, suggesting potential out-migration of higher-income residents or overall economic challenges in the area.
The economic downturn in this neighborhood is more severe than national trends. The U.S. median household income increased from $61,937 in 2018 to $70,784 in 2021, contrasting with the local decline. This suggests that the Western Hills and Yarborough Subdivision is facing unique local challenges impacting its economic stability more severely than the broader national economy.
The persistence of a Black Majority in this neighborhood indicates a level of community stability in terms of racial composition. However, the economic challenges and population decline suggest that the area may be struggling to retain residents, particularly those with higher incomes. This could potentially lead to further demographic shifts in the future if economic conditions do not improve, possibly transitioning the neighborhood towards a different category in the diversity classification system.
The recent small increase in Asian population, while still a very small percentage, could be an early indicator of increasing diversity. If this trend continues alongside the slight decrease in the Black majority, the neighborhood could potentially move towards a Moderate Diversity classification in the coming years, though this would require significant further changes.
In conclusion, while the Western Hills and Yarborough Subdivision remains a Black Majority community, it is facing significant economic challenges that could reshape its demographic landscape in the future. Monitoring these trends will be crucial for understanding the neighborhood's future trajectory and addressing the needs of its changing population.
