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Demographic and Economic Trends in Live Oak Neighborhood: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Live Oak, a neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, is categorized as "Moderate Diversity" with a White Majority as of 2022. The white population comprises 61% of the community, with Black residents at 17% and Hispanic residents at 12%. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth, with the median income increasing from $45,548 in 2013 to $63,441 in 2022, a 39% increase over a decade. Live Oak features a mix of historic bungalows and modern developments.
Over the past decade, Live Oak has undergone a demographic transition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "White Majority" with 57% white residents. While maintaining this majority status, the community has shifted towards increased diversity. The percentage of white residents fluctuated, peaking at 67% in 2017 before settling at 61% in 2022, indicating a trend towards "Moderate Diversity."
The Black population decreased from 26% in 2013 to 17% in 2022, while the Hispanic population grew from 11% to 12% over the same period. The Asian population increased from 1% to 5%, contributing to the neighborhood's growing diversity. These shifts suggest a gradual transition towards a more mixed community, though not yet reaching the threshold for "High Diversity" as defined in the study.
The demographic changes in Live Oak correlate with significant economic growth. The median income rose consistently from $45,548 in 2013 to $63,441 in 2022, a 39% increase. This economic uplift coincides with the slight decrease in the Black population and increases in white, Hispanic, and Asian populations, potentially indicating a gentrification process.
The population has remained relatively stable, growing from 1,715 in 2013 to 1,903 in 2022, an 11% increase. This stability, combined with rising incomes, suggests that the neighborhood is becoming more affluent while maintaining its overall community size.
The trends observed in Live Oak mirror broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly the growth in Hispanic and Asian populations, aligns with national demographic shifts. The substantial income growth outpaces the national average, which saw about a 30% increase in median household income over a similar period.
The neighborhood's transition towards moderate diversity while maintaining a white majority is reminiscent of changes in many inner-ring suburban areas across the country. These areas often experience demographic shifts as they become more integrated into expanding urban cores.
The economic growth in Live Oak is particularly notable when compared to national trends. The 39% increase in median income in Live Oak suggests that this neighborhood has outperformed many others in terms of economic development.
Live Oak represents a community in transition, moving towards greater diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. These changes reflect broader urban trends but also highlight the unique character of this St. Petersburg neighborhood as it evolves in the 21st century.
