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Demographic and Economic Changes in Pollard Neighborhood: A Shift from White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Pollard neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, exhibited moderate diversity with a slight white majority as of 2022. The community had a median income of $76,705 and a population of 2,638. The neighborhood experienced significant changes in its demographic composition and economic indicators over the past decade, reflecting broader socio-economic shifts in the region.
In 2013, Pollard had a White Majority, with 70% of the population identified as white. By 2018, it transitioned to a Moderate Diversity category, with the white population decreasing to 49% and the black population increasing to 47%. In 2022, while still in the Moderate Diversity category, the white population increased slightly to 55%, with the black population at 38%. The Hispanic population showed a gradual increase from 0% in 2013 to 2% in 2022, indicating slow but steady diversification. A small but noticeable two-or-more races category (3% in 2022) emerged, further supporting the trend towards increased diversity.
The median income in Pollard demonstrated considerable volatility over the years, correlating with demographic shifts. In 2013, when the neighborhood had a White Majority, the median income was $74,210. As the community transitioned to Moderate Diversity around 2018, there was a decrease in median income to $60,784. This was followed by a significant increase in 2020 to $105,322, coinciding with a slight increase in the white population percentage. The most recent data for 2022 shows a median income of $76,705, higher than the 2013 level but lower than the 2020 peak.
Population figures also fluctuated, with a peak of 3,012 in 2018 (coinciding with the shift to Moderate Diversity) and settling at 2,638 in 2022. These changes could indicate broader migration patterns or local development initiatives.
The demographic shifts observed in Pollard mirror broader trends seen in many American cities, where historically predominantly white neighborhoods are becoming more diverse. The economic volatility, particularly the sharp rise and subsequent moderation of median income, could reflect national economic trends, including the impact of the 2020 pandemic and subsequent recovery.
The gradual increase in Hispanic population, though small, aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various parts of the country. The emergence of a multiracial category is also consistent with national demographic shifts, as more Americans identify with multiple racial backgrounds.
Pollard's evolution over the past decade from a White Majority to a Moderately Diverse community with fluctuating economic indicators presents a microcosm of broader demographic and economic shifts occurring across many American urban areas. These changes likely have implications for local community dynamics, housing markets, and public services, and may continue to shape the neighborhood's character in the coming years.
