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Demographic and Economic Trends in Westwood-Pecan Lake: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Westwood-Pecan Lake neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, is characterized by a Black Majority demographic composition. In 2022, 61% of the population identified as Black. The median income in the area was $47,066 in 2022. The neighborhood is situated near the Arkansas River and consists of both residential and commercial areas.
Over the past decade, Westwood-Pecan Lake has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. In 2013, the Black population was 56%. This percentage increased steadily, reaching 66% in 2019. Since 2020, there has been a slight decline in the Black population percentage. Concurrently, the Hispanic population has grown from 8% in 2013 to 14% in 2022.
The median income in Westwood-Pecan Lake has experienced fluctuations. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general upward trend, with the median income peaking at $55,179 in 2019. In 2020, there was a significant decrease to $47,060. A brief recovery occurred in 2021, with the median income rising to $53,721, but it declined again to $47,066 in 2022.
The economic fluctuations appear to correlate with the demographic shifts. The period of increasing Black majority (2013-2019) coincided with rising median incomes. The recent growth in the Hispanic population has occurred alongside more volatile income levels.
The demographic trends in Westwood-Pecan Lake reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population aligns with national trends of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities. The economic volatility observed in recent years is not unique to this neighborhood and likely reflects wider economic challenges faced by many communities across the United States.
The persistence of a Black Majority in Westwood-Pecan Lake is notable, as many urban areas have experienced significant demographic shifts due to gentrification or other factors. This stability suggests strong community ties and potentially limited external pressures for change.
Westwood-Pecan Lake maintains its status as a Black Majority community but shows signs of evolving into a more diverse neighborhood, particularly with the growth of its Hispanic population. The economic challenges faced by the community in recent years may influence future demographic trends and warrant continued monitoring to understand their long-term impacts on the neighborhood's composition and character.
