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Demographic Analysis of Whiting Woods: A Study of Racial Composition in a Low-Diversity Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Whiting Woods, a neighborhood in Glendale, California, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a White majority. In 2022, the white population constituted 65% of the neighborhood, with Asians (14%) and Hispanics (11%) forming significant minority groups. The median income of $96,804 in 2022 indicates an affluent area, representing a decrease from previous years. Whiting Woods is situated in a secluded, hillside location, providing residents with a quiet suburban environment and views of the Los Angeles basin.
Over the past decade, Whiting Woods has maintained its status as a predominantly White community, consistently falling under the "Low Diversity" or "Moderate Diversity" categories. In 2013, the neighborhood was in the "Low Diversity" category with 87% white population. From 2014 to 2018, there was a trend towards "Moderate Diversity" as the Asian population increased significantly and the Hispanic population grew gradually. Since 2019, there has been a slight reversal, with the white population increasing again to 65-75%, returning the neighborhood to the "Low Diversity" category.
The median income in Whiting Woods has fluctuated significantly over the decade. From 2013 to 2014, it remained at $200,000, indicating an extremely affluent community. There was a sharp decline in 2015 to $122,249, coinciding with the period of increasing racial diversity. The income peaked again in 2018 at $140,565, before declining to $96,804 in 2020 and 2022. The periods of higher diversity (2014-2018) generally corresponded with lower median incomes compared to the early 2010s, suggesting a possible correlation between increasing diversity and changes in the neighborhood's economic profile.
Population figures have remained relatively stable, hovering around 100 residents for most of the decade, with a notable decrease to 60-67 residents in 2020-2022. This decline coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic and might reflect broader urban migration trends during this period.
The demographic trends in Whiting Woods somewhat mirror broader patterns in many affluent suburban areas across the United States, where increasing diversity is often followed by periods of "white flight" or gentrification that can reverse diversity gains. The extreme fluctuations in median income and the small population size make Whiting Woods a unique case study.
The neighborhood's persistent white majority contrasts with the increasing diversity seen in many parts of California and the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area. Glendale itself is known for its large Armenian population, which does not seem to be significantly represented in Whiting Woods, highlighting the neighborhood's distinct demographic character within the larger city context.
In conclusion, while Whiting Woods has experienced some demographic shifts over the past decade, it has largely maintained its character as an affluent, predominantly white enclave. The interplay between racial composition and economic indicators suggests a complex relationship between diversity and wealth in this small, hillside community.
