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Demographic and Racial Analysis of Driving Park: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Driving Park, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with moderate economic challenges. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 5,357, with a median income of $31,132. This income level, while showing improvement over the past decade, remains below many urban averages. Driving Park is one of Columbus's oldest streetcar suburbs, which has influenced its development and community structure over time.
Over the past decade, Driving Park has consistently maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The percentage of Black residents has remained above 60% throughout the period, with slight fluctuations. The White population has seen a slight decrease, from 25% in 2013 to 25% in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. There has been a small but noticeable increase in Asian residents, from 0% in 2013 to 2% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown a slight increase, particularly in recent years, reaching 3% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has increased from 5% in 2013 to 8% in 2022.
The median income in Driving Park has shown a generally upward trend, albeit with some fluctuations. In 2013, the median income was $24,774. By 2022, it had increased to $31,132, representing a 25.7% increase over the decade. The most significant jump occurred between 2020 and 2021, with an increase from $26,529 to $31,978. This economic improvement correlates with the subtle demographic shifts, particularly the increase in diversity.
Population trends show a slight overall decline from 6,241 in 2013 to 5,357 in 2022. This decrease might be due to various factors, including housing market changes, urban development patterns, or broader demographic shifts in Columbus.
Driving Park's median income has increased, but it still lags behind the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that despite improvements, the neighborhood continues to face economic challenges. The persistence of a Black Majority in Driving Park, while many urban areas are experiencing rapid gentrification and demographic shifts, indicates a strong community identity. However, the subtle increases in diversity align with broader national trends of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in urban areas.
The economic improvements, while modest, are encouraging and may reflect broader economic recovery trends post-2008 recession and, more recently, post-COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of these national economic events on Driving Park appears to be less pronounced than in more affluent areas.
Driving Park presents a picture of a stable Black Majority community experiencing gradual economic improvement and subtle increases in diversity. While challenges remain, the trends suggest a neighborhood in slow transition, balancing its historical identity with emerging demographic and economic shifts.
