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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Iles Park, Springfield: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Iles Park, a neighborhood in Springfield, Illinois, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. It is classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a White Majority (55%) and a substantial Black population (40%). The neighborhood's median income stands at $40,969 in 2022, indicating a modest economic status. Iles Park has experienced significant fluctuations in its population and racial composition over the past decade, making it a notable case study in urban demographics.
Over the past decade, Iles Park has undergone significant demographic transitions. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community, with the White population at 55% and the Black population at 32%. By 2014, it shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" status with no clear majority, as the Black population increased to 44% while the White population decreased to 49%.
The neighborhood experienced further transitions. From 2015 to 2016, it returned to a White Majority status. Between 2017 and 2019, it maintained a White Majority with increasing diversity. In 2020 and 2021, it shifted back to "Moderate Diversity" with no clear majority. In 2022, it returned to a White Majority, but with a significant Black population. These shifts suggest a dynamic and potentially transitional community, with racial compositions fluctuating significantly over short periods.
The median income in Iles Park has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $27,388 in 2013 to a peak of $45,643 in 2019, before declining to $40,969 in 2022. This economic trajectory correlates with the demographic shifts. From 2013 to 2019, as the community became more diverse and then shifted towards a White Majority, median income steadily increased. From 2019 to 2022, the recent decline in median income coincides with a shift back towards greater diversity and then a return to a White Majority. Population figures have shown a general decline from 1,169 in 2015 to 640 in 2022, which could indicate changing neighborhood dynamics or broader urban trends affecting Springfield.
The demographic shifts in Iles Park reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the rapid fluctuations between racial majority statuses are somewhat unusual and may indicate unique local factors at play, such as changes in housing policies, economic opportunities, or community initiatives. The economic trajectory of Iles Park, with its rise and recent decline in median income, mirrors trends seen in many mid-sized American cities struggling with economic transitions. The declining population, despite periods of increasing median income, suggests possible gentrification or urban renewal processes that may be displacing some residents.
Iles Park presents a case of a neighborhood in flux, with rapid demographic shifts and economic changes that reflect both local dynamics and broader national trends. The community's ability to maintain moderate diversity despite these changes speaks to its resilience and adaptability in the face of urban transformation.
