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Demographic Trends in Willowwood: A Study of Race and Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Willowwood, a neighborhood in Levittown, Pennsylvania, is classified as Low Diversity with a White Majority. As of 2022, 89% of the population identifies as white, with a Hispanic presence of 10%. The neighborhood's median income is $101,498 in 2022. Willowwood is part of Levittown, one of the first planned suburban communities in the United States.
Over the past decade, Willowwood has transitioned from an extremely homogeneous community to one showing early signs of diversification. In 2013, the neighborhood was 99% white. By 2022, while still predominantly white (89%), there has been an increase in other racial groups, particularly Hispanic residents (from 0% in 2013 to 10% in 2022). This shift suggests the beginnings of a Transitional Community.
The demographic shifts in Willowwood have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income rose from $80,577 in 2013 to $101,498 in 2022, an increase of about 26% over a decade. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 444 and 548 residents over the decade.
The slow diversification of Willowwood reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly in terms of Hispanic population growth. However, the pace of change in Willowwood appears to be slower than national averages. Nationally, suburbs have been diversifying more rapidly, with many transitioning to "Majority-Minority" status over the past two decades.
The economic growth in Willowwood also mirrors national trends of increasing income inequality. While the neighborhood's median income has grown significantly, it has done so at a rate faster than the national average, potentially making it less accessible to a diverse range of residents.
Willowwood presents a case of a historically homogeneous suburban neighborhood showing early signs of diversification. While still categorized as Low Diversity with a White Majority, the consistent growth in the Hispanic population suggests a gradual transition. This change, coupled with rising incomes, may indicate the beginning of a longer-term shift in the neighborhood's demographic and economic makeup. However, the pace of change remains slow compared to national trends, reflecting the lingering effects of historical housing patterns and socio-economic factors in this part of Levittown.
