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Demographic Analysis of Woodlawn, Pawtucket: Hispanic Plurality and Racial Diversity Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Woodlawn, a neighborhood in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, exhibits a profile of Moderate Diversity with a Hispanic Plurality as of 2022. The Hispanic population constitutes 39% of the community, followed by White (23%) and Black (19%) residents. The median income in 2022 is $40,327, indicating a lower-middle-income area. Woodlawn is characterized by its historic significance, featuring Victorian-era homes and a working-class heritage connected to Pawtucket's industrial past.
Over the past decade, Woodlawn has transitioned from a Majority-Minority community to one of Moderate Diversity with a Hispanic Plurality. In 2013, the neighborhood displayed a Majority-Minority status, with Hispanic (35%) and Black (28%) populations collectively forming the majority. The community has experienced a gradual increase in Hispanic representation, rising from 35% in 2013 to 39% in 2022, while the Black population decreased from 28% to 19% during the same period.
The White population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 21-23% throughout the decade. There has been a significant increase in the "Two or More Races" category, growing from 3% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, indicating a trend towards increased racial mixing and potentially signaling a Transitional Community in terms of diversity.
The demographic shifts in Woodlawn correlate with notable economic changes. The median income has shown a substantial increase from $27,434 in 2013 to $40,327 in 2022, representing a 47% growth over the decade. This income growth coincides with the increasing Hispanic population and the rise in multi-racial residents, suggesting potential economic opportunities or improvements for these groups. However, the median income remains relatively low compared to national averages, indicating ongoing economic challenges in the area.
The population has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 16,834 in 2013 to 17,447 in 2022. This stability, combined with the changing racial composition, suggests that the demographic shifts are more likely due to internal community changes rather than significant influxes of new residents.
The trends observed in Woodlawn align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly the growth of Hispanic populations and multi-racial identities. The rise in median income, while significant for the neighborhood, still places Woodlawn below the national median, reflecting challenges faced by many urban, working-class communities across the United States.
The transition towards a more pronounced Hispanic Plurality is consistent with demographic shifts seen in many Northeast urban areas, where Hispanic communities have grown and established themselves over the past few decades. The decrease in the Black population percentage, coupled with the increase in multi-racial identities, may reflect broader trends of racial integration and changing patterns of self-identification.
Woodlawn exemplifies a community in transition, moving towards greater diversity while grappling with economic challenges. The neighborhood's evolving demographic makeup, particularly the growth of its Hispanic and multi-racial populations, alongside modest economic improvements, paints a picture of a community adapting to changing urban dynamics while maintaining its working-class character.
