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Demographic and Economic Trends in Sawtelle: White Plurality and Racial Composition Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sawtelle, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality as of 2022. The white population constitutes 50% of the community, followed by Asian residents at 23% and Hispanic residents at 17%. The median income in Sawtelle increased from $78,025 in 2013 to $99,976 in 2022, indicating economic growth. The neighborhood is known for its "Little Osaka" district, which reflects its Japanese-American cultural influence.
Over the past decade, Sawtelle has maintained its Moderate Diversity status, but experienced shifts in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was closer to a High Diversity category, with white residents at 47%, Asian at 22%, and Hispanic at 23%. By 2022, the community transitioned to a more pronounced White Plurality, with the white population reaching 50%, while the Hispanic population decreased to 17%. The Asian population remained relatively stable at 21-23% throughout this period.
The demographic shifts in Sawtelle correlate with economic changes. The median income increased by approximately 28% from 2013 to 2022. This economic growth coincides with the increase in the white population percentage and the decrease in the Hispanic population percentage. The total population remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 32,572 in 2013 to 32,531 in 2022.
The trends observed in Sawtelle align with patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in median income and shift towards a higher percentage of white residents is often associated with gentrification processes in diverse urban neighborhoods.
Sawtelle's median income growth outpaces the national average. The U.S. median household income grew from about $52,250 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021, representing an increase of about 35%. Sawtelle maintains a significantly higher median income than the national average.
The stability of the Asian population percentage in Sawtelle is notable, given the neighborhood's reputation as "Little Osaka." This suggests that while demographic changes are occurring, the area is maintaining some of its cultural character.
Sawtelle presents a case of a moderately diverse, economically thriving urban neighborhood experiencing gradual demographic shifts. These changes point to ongoing processes of urban development and potential gentrification that are reshaping the community's socio-economic landscape.
