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Demographic Evolution of Arcadia Terrace: A Study in Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Arcadia Terrace, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits Moderate Diversity based on its 2022 racial composition. No single group exceeds 40% of the population, with White (36%), Hispanic (32%), Asian (15%), and Black (13%) residents. The neighborhood's median income of $61,675 in 2022 indicates a middle-class community. Arcadia Terrace is characterized by tree-lined streets and a mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings.
Over the past decade, Arcadia Terrace has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Plurality (39%) with a strong Hispanic presence (38%). By 2018, it transitioned to High Diversity, with Asian (29%), White (39%), and Hispanic (23%) populations having significant representation. The 2022 data shows a shift towards Moderate Diversity, with a more balanced distribution among White, Hispanic, Asian, and Black residents.
The Black population increased from virtually non-existent in 2013 to 13% in 2022, indicating a Transitional Community status. The Asian population fluctuated, peaking at 29% in 2018 before settling at 15% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, while the White population gradually decreased from 44% in 2017 to 36% in 2022.
The median income in Arcadia Terrace has shown fluctuations over the years, with an overall upward trend. From $58,258 in 2013, it peaked at $68,616 in 2014, then declined to $52,277 in 2018 before rising again to $61,675 in 2022. This economic pattern correlates with the demographic shifts.
The highest income period (2014) coincided with a higher percentage of White residents (43%) and a lower percentage of Hispanic residents (30%) compared to previous years. The lowest income point (2018) aligns with the period of highest Asian population (29%) and lowest Hispanic population (23%). The recent rise in income corresponds with a more balanced racial distribution and an increase in the Black population.
The population of Arcadia Terrace has fluctuated, dropping from 5,807 in 2010 to a low of 4,515 in 2014, before rising again to 5,967 in 2022. This population growth coincides with increasing diversity and rising median income, suggesting the neighborhood has become more attractive to a wider range of residents.
The demographic changes in Arcadia Terrace reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increasing diversity, particularly the growth in Asian and Black populations, aligns with national trends of increasing racial diversity in metropolitan areas. The economic fluctuations, including the dip in median income around 2018 followed by a recovery, mirror patterns seen in many middle-class neighborhoods recovering from the long-term effects of the 2008 financial crisis.
The neighborhood's transition from a White Plurality to Moderate Diversity represents a microcosm of changing urban demographics. This shift, combined with the relatively stable median income, suggests that Arcadia Terrace has maintained its economic status while becoming more diverse, a balance that many urban neighborhoods strive to achieve.
Arcadia Terrace's evolution over the past decade showcases a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater racial diversity while maintaining its middle-class economic status. These changes likely reflect both local policy decisions and broader demographic trends, positioning Arcadia Terrace as a dynamic and evolving community within Chicago's urban landscape.
