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Demographic and Racial Composition Analysis of Ventura Village: A Majority-Minority Neighborhood in Minneapolis
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Ventura Village, a neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is characterized as a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 6,358 and a median income of $30,297. Ventura Village has a significant Native American population, which is unique for an urban area and is connected to the nearby Little Earth community, the only Native American preference public housing community in the United States.
Over the past decade, Ventura Village has maintained its status as a Majority-Minority community. From 2013 to 2018, the neighborhood experienced a transition towards increased Black representation, with the Black population growing from 41% to 49%. After 2018, there has been a slight reversal of this trend, with the Black population decreasing to 43% by 2022, while the Hispanic and Two or More Races categories have seen modest increases. The White population has remained relatively stable at around 20-21% since 2017. The Native American population has maintained a significant presence (5-9%) throughout the decade.
The demographic shifts in Ventura Village correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2016, as the Black population increased, median income slightly decreased from $19,001 to $17,057. From 2017 onwards, there has been a consistent increase in median income, rising from $20,375 to $30,297 in 2022. This period coincides with a slight diversification of the racial makeup. The population has fluctuated over the years but shows an overall increasing trend, growing from 6,095 in 2013 to 6,358 in 2022, with a peak of 7,197 in 2020.
The trends in Ventura Village reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The neighborhood's persistent Majority-Minority status aligns with increasing diversity in many American cities, particularly in areas close to city centers. The recent income growth, while positive, still places Ventura Village below the national median household income. This suggests that while economic conditions are improving, the neighborhood still faces economic challenges common to many urban, diverse communities.
The significant Native American presence in Ventura Village is unusual for an urban setting and likely contributes to the neighborhood's unique cultural landscape. This contrasts with national trends where Native American populations are often underrepresented in urban areas. The recent increase in racial diversity, coupled with rising incomes, may indicate a trend towards gentrification, a process observed in many urban neighborhoods across the country. However, the persistent presence of diverse communities suggests that Ventura Village may be experiencing a more balanced form of neighborhood change.
Ventura Village presents a dynamic picture of demographic and economic change. While maintaining its status as a diverse, Majority-Minority community, it has seen subtle shifts in its racial composition and a notable increase in median income over the past decade. These changes reflect broader urban trends while also highlighting the unique characteristics of this Minneapolis neighborhood.
