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Demographic Evolution of Lakewood Park: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lakewood Park in Durham, North Carolina, exhibits demographic evolution characteristic of a transitioning urban neighborhood. As of 2022, it is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with moderate diversity. The Black population comprises a plurality at 43%, while other minority groups collectively form the majority. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $34,781, indicating economic challenges. Lakewood Park is notable for its historic mid-century homes and community activism focused on preservation and addressing socio-economic issues.
Over the past decade, Lakewood Park has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, it was a "Black Majority" community with 55% of the population. By 2022, it transitioned to a "Majority-Minority" status with increased diversity. This shift is attributed to a declining Black population (from 55% to 43%), an increasing Asian population (from 1% to 6%), growth in the Hispanic population (from 15% to 17%, peaking at 23% in 2017), and a stable White population (around 25-28%). The neighborhood has shown signs of becoming a "Transitional Community," particularly with the growth in Asian and multiracial populations. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% to 6% between 2013 and 2022.
The economic landscape of Lakewood Park has been volatile over the past decade. The median income remained relatively stable from 2013 to 2019, ranging from $35,000 to $37,000. In 2020 and 2021, there was a sharp increase to $47,132 and $50,054 respectively, followed by a sudden drop to $34,781 in 2022. These economic shifts correlate with demographic changes. The period of income stability coincided with gradual demographic shifts, while the sharp income increase aligned with a peak in Asian population and a slight increase in the White population. The sudden income drop in 2022 corresponded with a decrease in Asian and Hispanic populations and an increase in multiracial identification.
The population of Lakewood Park has grown overall, from 668 in 2013 to 803 in 2022, with a peak of 1,011 in 2018. This growth, coupled with demographic shifts, suggests gentrification pressures may be influencing both income volatility and changing racial composition.
The trends observed in Lakewood Park reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The transition from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse, majority-minority community is consistent with nationwide trends of increasing diversity in urban centers. The economic volatility, particularly between 2020 and 2022, may be partly attributed to the broader economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The growth in Asian and Hispanic populations in Lakewood Park aligns with national trends of increasing diversity in traditionally Black neighborhoods. The retention of a significant Black plurality (43%) suggests that the community has maintained some of its historical character despite these changes.
The economic challenges faced by Lakewood Park, with a median income below the national average, are common in transitioning urban neighborhoods. The sudden income fluctuations, especially the drop in 2022, may indicate ongoing challenges in establishing economic stability amidst demographic changes and external economic pressures.
Lakewood Park exemplifies the complex interplay between racial demographics and economic factors in urban American neighborhoods. Its evolution from a Black Majority to a Majority-Minority community with moderate diversity highlights the ongoing demographic shifts in many U.S. cities, while its economic volatility underscores the challenges faced by communities in transition.
