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Demographic and Economic Analysis of Webster Park South: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Webster Park South is a neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, characterized as a Black Majority community with low diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 977 with a median income of $30,266. The area has maintained a predominantly Black population throughout the past decade, showing consistency in its demographic composition despite economic fluctuations.
From 2013 to 2022, Webster Park South consistently fell under the category of "Black Majority" with the Black population representing over 50% of residents each year. From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood maintained an extremely high Black majority (90-95%), categorizing it as "Low Diversity." In 2018-2019, a slight decrease in the Black population (to 82-88%) coincided with small increases in other racial groups, particularly Native American and Asian populations. This shift moved the neighborhood towards "Moderate Diversity," though still maintaining a strong Black majority.
From 2020 to 2022, the neighborhood experienced a slight rebound in the Black population (93% in 2021) before dropping to 79% in 2022. The most recent data shows an emerging Hispanic population (13% in 2022), potentially indicating the start of a transition towards greater diversity.
The median income in Webster Park South has shown overall growth from 2013 to 2022, with some fluctuations. From 2013 to 2015, there was rapid income growth from $20,869 to $26,932. From 2016 to 2019, there was a period of decline, reaching a low of $23,919 in 2019. From 2020 to 2022, there was significant recovery and growth, peaking at $33,282 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $30,266 in 2022.
These economic shifts appear to correlate with demographic changes. The period of income decline (2016-2019) coincided with a slight decrease in the Black majority and increases in other racial groups. The subsequent economic recovery (2020-2022) aligned with a temporary rebound in the Black population before the most recent diversification trend.
The demographic stability of Webster Park South as a Black Majority community is notable. The recent emergence of a Hispanic population (13% in 2022) may indicate that this neighborhood is beginning to follow wider patterns of increasing diversity seen in many U.S. cities.
The economic trajectory of Webster Park South, with its overall upward trend in median income despite fluctuations, suggests a degree of economic resilience. However, the median income of $30,266 in 2022 is still considerably below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that while the neighborhood has seen economic improvements, it still faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
Webster Park South presents a case of a community maintaining a strong Black Majority status while showing signs of potential transition towards greater diversity. The economic improvements, particularly in recent years, may be a factor in attracting a more diverse population, potentially setting the stage for further demographic shifts in the coming years.
