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Demographic and Economic Trends in Park Forest-Oakcrest: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Park Forest-Oakcrest, a neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." As of 2022, 84% of the population identifies as Black, with minimal representation from other racial groups. The neighborhood has faced economic challenges, with the median income decreasing from $65,646 in 2016 to $50,356 in 2022. Park Forest-Oakcrest is located near Southern University, one of the largest historically Black colleges in the United States.
Over the past decade, Park Forest-Oakcrest has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. From 2013 to 2016, the Black population increased from 83% to 88%. Between 2017 and 2019, the neighborhood showed slight diversification, with the White population increasing from 8% to 11%. In 2020, a notable shift towards "Moderate Diversity" occurred, with the Black population decreasing to 73% and the White population increasing to 19%. However, this change was temporary, and the neighborhood returned to its previous demographic composition in subsequent years.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory has been volatile. From 2013 to 2016, there was economic growth, with median income rising from $62,611 to $65,646. From 2017 onwards, the neighborhood experienced a consistent decline in median income, reaching $46,552 in 2020. This economic downturn coincided with a significant population decrease, from 7,569 in 2017 to 5,176 in 2022.
The demographic stability of Park Forest-Oakcrest as a predominantly Black neighborhood is notable in the context of national trends. While many urban areas in the United States have experienced increasing diversity and gentrification, this neighborhood has largely maintained its racial composition. However, the economic challenges faced by the community, particularly the decline in median income, reflect broader national concerns about income inequality and economic pressures in minority-majority neighborhoods.
The proximity to Southern University may contribute to the neighborhood's demographic stability, providing a constant influx of Black students, faculty, and staff. However, the declining population and income levels suggest that the neighborhood may be struggling to retain residents, possibly due to limited economic opportunities or other urban challenges.
Park Forest-Oakcrest has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood with "Low Diversity," but faces significant economic challenges. The brief period of increased diversity in 2020 may indicate potential for future demographic shifts, but this will likely depend on broader economic trends and local development initiatives. The neighborhood's trajectory highlights the complex relationship between racial demographics, economic conditions, and community stability in urban America.
