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Demographic Analysis of Westside 2, Columbus: Transition from Low to Moderate Diversity with White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westside 2, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a slight White Majority as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 1,697 and a median income of $80,428. The area has experienced significant population growth over the past decade, nearly doubling in size since 2010.
At the beginning of the decade, Westside 2 was characterized by Low Diversity with a strong White Majority. In 2013, the white population constituted 66% of the neighborhood, with Asian and Hispanic communities each representing 14%. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority at 57%, the area has shifted to a Moderate Diversity classification. This transition is marked by increased representation of Asian (10%), Hispanic (15%), and multiracial (10%) populations.
The neighborhood has shown signs of being a Transitional Community, particularly in the last five years. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% in 2018 to 10% in 2022, while the Hispanic population grew from 5% to 15% in the same period. This trend indicates a rapid diversification of the community.
The demographic shifts in Westside 2 have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. In 2013, when data first became available, the median income was $74,790. It peaked in 2017 at $95,729, coinciding with a period of increasing diversity. By 2022, it had settled at $80,428, which represents an increase from the 2013 figure.
The population has grown consistently throughout the decade, from 839 in 2010 to 1,697 in 2022. This substantial growth, coupled with the diversification of the community, suggests that Westside 2 has become an attractive area for various ethnic groups.
The trends observed in Westside 2 align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from low diversity to moderate or high diversity over the past decade. The growth in the Hispanic and multiracial populations reflects national demographic trends.
The median income in Westside 2 ($80,428 in 2022) is higher than the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that despite the demographic changes, the neighborhood has maintained its economic strength.
The rapid population growth in Westside 2 outpaces the average growth rate for most U.S. cities. This growth, combined with the increasing diversity and relatively high median income, suggests that Westside 2 may be experiencing a form of gentrification that is attracting a diverse, affluent population.
Westside 2 has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a moderately diverse, economically stable neighborhood. These changes reflect broader national trends towards urbanization and diversification, while the neighborhood's economic resilience suggests it may continue to be an attractive destination for a variety of demographic groups in the coming years.
