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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Forest Park Southeast: From Black Majority to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Forest Park Southeast in St. Louis, Missouri, is currently a White Majority community with a median income of $58,070 as of 2022. This neighborhood has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly Black community to one that is now majority white. Forest Park Southeast is located near the Washington University Medical Center and has been experiencing ongoing gentrification, which likely contributes to its evolving demographics and rising income levels.
In 2013, Forest Park Southeast was categorized as a Black Majority community, with 51% of the population identifying as Black. Over the next decade, the neighborhood underwent a transition. By 2018, it had shifted to a Black Plurality (47% Black), and by 2019, it became a White Majority community (52% White). This trend continued, with the white population reaching 59% by 2022, solidifying its status as a White Majority neighborhood.
The Asian population has remained relatively stable, ranging from 7-9% throughout the decade. The Hispanic population has shown a slight increase from 4% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 1% to 5% between 2019 and 2020, suggesting a growing multiracial presence in the community. These shifts indicate a Transitional Community, with significant changes in racial makeup over a relatively short period. The rapid decrease in the Black population (from 51% to 23% over nine years) coupled with the increase in the White population (from 36% to 59%) suggests a substantial demographic transformation.
The demographic shifts in Forest Park Southeast correlate with economic changes. In 2013, the median income was $28,276. As the neighborhood transitioned from a Black Majority to a White Majority, median income rose. By 2022, it had more than doubled to $58,070. This increase in median income aligns with the increase in the White population and the decrease in the Black population. The population of the neighborhood has also grown during this period, from 2,678 in 2013 to 2,830 in 2022, suggesting that the area has become increasingly attractive to new residents.
The demographic and economic changes in Forest Park Southeast are indicative of broader gentrification trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The rapid shift from a majority-minority community to a White Majority neighborhood, coupled with significant income increases, is characteristic of urban renewal and gentrification processes. This trend is noteworthy in the context of St. Louis, a city that has historically struggled with racial segregation and economic disparities.
The income growth in Forest Park Southeast outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Forest Park Southeast saw an increase of over 100% in the same period. This economic shift, coupled with the demographic changes, suggests a significant alteration in the neighborhood's character and potentially its cultural fabric. These changes raise questions about housing affordability, community preservation, and the potential displacement of long-term residents. As Forest Park Southeast continues to evolve, balancing economic growth with community preservation and inclusivity will likely be a challenge for local policymakers and community leaders.
