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Demographic and Racial Evolution of Copernicus Park: A White Majority Neighborhood Transitioning to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Copernicus Park, a neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,365 and a median income of $72,826. The area's name reflects its historical Polish-American heritage, which has influenced its demographic composition.
Over the past decade, Copernicus Park has undergone notable demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population comprising 91% of residents. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority status, the neighborhood has transitioned towards Moderate Diversity. The most significant shifts occurred between 2015 and 2018, where the white population decreased from 95% to 83%, while Hispanic and Black populations increased.
The neighborhood's economic landscape has shown considerable fluctuation over the past decade. The median income rose from $50,045 in 2015 to a peak of $93,413 in 2019, coinciding with the period of increasing racial diversity. There was a significant drop in median income to $72,899 in 2020, possibly due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the income levels have stabilized around the $70,000 mark.
The population has fluctuated, reaching a low of 1,061 in 2018 before gradually increasing to 1,365 in 2022. This population growth, combined with the maintained higher income levels, suggests a period of economic stability and potentially increased attractiveness of the neighborhood to new residents.
The demographic shifts in Copernicus Park align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically homogeneous neighborhoods are becoming more diverse. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth in Hispanic and Asian populations, mirrors national trends of increasing minority populations in urban areas.
The economic trajectory of Copernicus Park, with its significant income growth from 2015 to 2019, outpaced national averages during this period. The median household income in the U.S. grew from $56,516 in 2015 to $68,703 in 2019, a more modest increase compared to Copernicus Park's rise.
The neighborhood's resilience in maintaining higher income levels post-2020, despite the pandemic-related economic challenges, suggests a robust local economy. This could be attributed to the diversification of the population, potentially bringing in residents with varied skill sets and economic backgrounds, contributing to the area's economic stability.
Copernicus Park has evolved from a Low Diversity, predominantly white neighborhood to a more moderately diverse community with a White Majority. This demographic shift has been accompanied by significant economic growth, positioning the neighborhood as an increasingly attractive and economically stable area within Milwaukee.
