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Demographic and Economic Trends in North 5th Ward, DeKalb: A Study of Racial Composition and Community Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The North 5th Ward neighborhood in DeKalb, Illinois, is classified as a "White Majority" community as of 2022, with 65% of the population identifying as white. This area, which includes Northern Illinois University, has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2021, the North 5th Ward transitioned from a "White Majority" to a "Moderate Diversity" community, before reverting to "White Majority" in 2022. The percentage of white residents decreased from 65% in 2013 to 57% in 2020, with increases in Hispanic and Black populations. This trend towards diversity reversed in 2022, potentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on university enrollment and local demographics.
The median income in the North 5th Ward has fluctuated significantly over the past decade. It remained relatively stable from 2013 to 2019, ranging from $28,630 to $35,414. A significant increase occurred in 2020 and 2021, reaching $47,296, followed by a sharp decline to $34,516 in 2022. These economic shifts correlate with demographic changes, suggesting a possible relationship between increasing diversity and rising median incomes from 2017 to 2021.
The neighborhood's population has declined steadily from 11,441 in 2010 to 6,770 in 2022, a 40.8% decrease. This substantial population loss, combined with fluctuating incomes, indicates a community in transition, potentially facing economic challenges or changing housing preferences.
The demographic shifts in the North 5th Ward reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in college towns and urban areas. However, the recent reversal towards less diversity is atypical. The sharp increase in median income from 2019 to 2021, followed by a significant decrease in 2022, is unusual and may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the local economy and university operations.
The substantial population decline over the decade is more severe than typical trends in similar college-adjacent neighborhoods. This could indicate broader challenges facing the city of DeKalb or specific issues affecting this ward, such as changes in university enrollment or housing policies.
In conclusion, the North 5th Ward has experienced significant demographic and economic volatility over the past decade, transitioning through various diversity categories before returning to a "White Majority" status. These changes, coupled with dramatic population loss and income fluctuations, suggest a neighborhood undergoing rapid transformation. Further research into local policies, university dynamics, and economic factors would be beneficial to understand the full context of these changes and their implications for the community's future.
