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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Pleasant Street Neighborhood, DeKalb
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Pleasant Street neighborhood in DeKalb, Illinois, has experienced demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a White Majority community to a Transitional Community. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 2,138 and a median income of $40,345. Its proximity to Northern Illinois University likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood maintained a White Majority status with the white population consistently above 50%. Between 2017 and 2022, the area became a Transitional Community, showing a gradual decrease in the white population percentage and increases in Hispanic and Black populations. The Hispanic population displayed notable fluctuations, reaching 40% in 2014 before declining and rising again to 26% by 2022. Asian and Black populations, while small, showed steady increases over the decade.
The neighborhood's economic landscape exhibited volatility over the past decade. Median income fluctuated significantly, ranging from $38,375 in 2017 to $52,920 in 2021. A loose correlation appeared between income levels and demographic shifts, with the lowest median income in 2017 coinciding with a period of increasing diversity. The population decreased over the decade, from 2,589 in 2013 to 2,138 in 2022.
These trends align with patterns seen in many college towns across the United States. Increasing diversity in university neighborhoods is common, often driven by growing international student populations and changing demographics of college-age Americans. The economic volatility may reflect the transient nature of student populations and the impact of economic cycles on university funding and enrollment. The decrease in population could be part of a larger trend of declining college enrollments seen nationally in recent years.
The Pleasant Street neighborhood exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a predominantly White Majority area to one of increasing diversity. This shift, likely influenced by its proximity to Northern Illinois University, has been accompanied by economic fluctuations that reflect both local and potentially broader educational trends. As the community continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these demographic and economic changes impact local services, housing, and community cohesion.
