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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Meadowthorpe: A Study of Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Meadowthorpe, a neighborhood in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, demonstrates a White Majority status with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population constitutes 65% of the neighborhood, with Black (19%) and Hispanic (7%) populations forming significant minorities. The median income of $72,042 in 2022 indicates a middle-class community. Meadowthorpe has experienced substantial population growth over the past decade, increasing from 3,974 in 2012 to 7,519 in 2022.
Meadowthorpe has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to one with Moderate Diversity over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as White Majority with 72% white population. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 65%, while other racial groups, particularly Black and Asian populations, increased. This shift suggests a Transitional Community status, with a trend towards greater diversity.
The Black population has generally increased from 16% in 2013 to 19% in 2022. The Asian population has remained relatively stable at 5-6%. The Hispanic population has grown, rising from 4% in 2021 to 7% in 2022. The category of two or more races emerged as significant, growing from negligible levels in 2013 to 4% in 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity.
The demographic shifts in Meadowthorpe have been accompanied by economic changes. The median income has risen from $56,850 in 2013 to $72,042 in 2022, representing a 26.7% increase over nine years. This growth outpaces inflation for the same period, suggesting real economic gains for residents. The increasing diversity coincides with rising incomes, challenging potential assumptions about diversity and economic decline.
The trends observed in Meadowthorpe align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen similar transitions from low diversity to moderate or high diversity over the past decade. Meadowthorpe's population growth of 89% from 2012 to 2022 exceeds national averages for neighborhood growth. The economic growth in Meadowthorpe also outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Meadowthorpe's 26.7% growth suggests a rapidly developing area.
Meadowthorpe represents a dynamic, growing community transitioning towards greater diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. These trends suggest a neighborhood in flux, likely attracting new residents from various backgrounds and potentially changing the character and culture of the area. As this transition continues, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect community cohesion, local services, and housing affordability.
