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Demographic Evolution of Lake Parker Park: From White Majority to Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lake Parker Park, situated in Lakeland, Florida, is a community with Moderate Diversity and a White Plurality. The neighborhood had a population of 1,424 and a median income of $34,438 in 2022. Lake Parker, one of Lakeland's largest lakes, is the area's namesake and offers recreational activities.
Lake Parker Park has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. The white population decreased from 53% in 2013 to 49% in 2022, transitioning from a White Majority to a White Plurality. Concurrently, the Black population increased from 25% to 33%. The Hispanic population declined from a peak of 27% in 2015 to 10% in 2022, while the Asian population grew from negligible levels to 5% by 2022. These shifts indicate a transformation from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community.
The median income in Lake Parker Park increased from $26,648 in 2013 to $34,438 in 2022, representing a 29% growth. This economic improvement correlates with the demographic shifts. However, income growth has been irregular, with a significant increase from $32,131 in 2019 to $36,544 in 2020, followed by a slight decline. The population has remained relatively stable, increasing from 1,322 in 2013 to 1,424 in 2022.
The demographic changes in Lake Parker Park align with trends observed in many urban areas across the United States, characterized by increasing diversity and the decline of single-race majorities. The growth in Black and Asian populations reflects national trends of increasing racial diversity in suburban and urban neighborhoods.
Despite economic growth, Lake Parker Park's median household income remains below the national average, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that while the area is experiencing economic improvement, it still faces challenges in overall economic prosperity compared to national standards.
The transition from a White Majority to a more diverse community with a White Plurality suggests changing settlement patterns and potentially shifting cultural dynamics. This could be attributed to factors such as changing job markets, housing affordability, or intentional efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the area.
Lake Parker Park has evolved into a more diverse and economically improving neighborhood over the past decade. The shift from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, combined with steady income growth, indicates a community in transition. These changes likely present both opportunities and challenges as the neighborhood adapts to its evolving demographic and economic landscape.
