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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Westwood-Fairway Neighborhood, Fort Wayne
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Westwood-Fairway neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a white population of 75% in 2022. The neighborhood shows signs of gradual diversification over the past decade. As of 2022, the median income is $52,268, reflecting an increase from a decade ago. Westwood-Fairway is located near Foster Park Golf Course.
In 2013, Westwood-Fairway had Low Diversity, with a white population of 91%. Over the next decade, the neighborhood underwent a gradual transition towards increased diversity. From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood remained in the Low Diversity category, with the white population consistently above 90%. In 2018-2019, a shift towards Moderate Diversity began, with the white population decreasing to 86% and 82% respectively. The black population increased to 9%. From 2020 to 2022, the neighborhood continued its transition, approaching the threshold between Low Diversity and Moderate Diversity. The white population decreased to 75%, while other racial groups, particularly black and two or more races, saw increases.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2017, as the neighborhood remained predominantly white, median income fluctuated between $34,453 and $39,843. In 2018-2020, coinciding with the initial diversification, median income rose steadily from $42,511 to $52,332. In 2021-2022, despite a spike to $62,682 in 2021, the median income settled at $52,268 in 2022, still higher than previous years. The overall trend shows an increase in median income as the neighborhood became more diverse.
The gradual diversification of Westwood-Fairway aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The neighborhood's pace of change appears slower than many urban areas across the United States. The economic growth observed in Westwood-Fairway as it diversifies is consistent with research suggesting that diversity can contribute to economic vitality in communities.
The increase in median income from $34,453 in 2013 to $52,268 in 2022 represents a growth of about 51.7% over nine years, outpacing the national average income growth during this period. This suggests that Westwood-Fairway has experienced relatively robust economic development alongside its demographic changes.
Westwood-Fairway is undergoing a gradual but significant transformation from a highly homogeneous community to one with increasing diversity. This change is accompanied by economic growth, potentially indicating a positive relationship between diversification and economic development in the neighborhood. As this trend continues, it will be interesting to observe how the community's character and local dynamics evolve in response to these demographic and economic shifts.
