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Demographic Evolution of Stephen Foster Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Stephen Foster neighborhood in Gainesville, Florida, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community, with 59% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The neighborhood's median income was $40,509 in 2022, indicating a moderate economic status. Stephen Foster is characterized by its historic charm, featuring mid-century homes and tree-lined streets.
Over the past decade, Stephen Foster has maintained its "White Majority" status, but with changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Moderate Diversity," with a 34% Black population alongside a 56% white majority. By 2022, the community shifted towards a more balanced diversity profile, still retaining a white majority.
The Hispanic population demonstrated significant growth, increasing from 5% in 2013 to 14% in 2022, with a peak of 24% in 2019. This trend suggests a gradual transition towards a more diverse community. The Black population decreased from 34% in 2013 to 18% in 2022, while the Asian population fluctuated, peaking at 8% in 2015 and 2017 before settling at 4% in 2022. The emergence of a "Two or More Races" category (5% in 2022) further supports the trend towards increased diversity.
The median income in Stephen Foster has shown volatility over the reported period. It started at $43,845 in 2013, dipped to $37,754 in 2014, rose to $47,797 in 2018, and then followed a downward trend, reaching $40,509 in 2022. This economic fluctuation coincides with the demographic shifts, possibly indicating a relationship between changing population composition and economic conditions.
The neighborhood's population declined slightly over the decade, from 2,461 in 2013 to 2,203 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. This modest population decrease, coupled with changing racial demographics, suggests a dynamic period of community transition.
The trends observed in Stephen Foster reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods. The growth in the Hispanic population aligns with national trends of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities. The decrease in the Black population percentage is contrary to the stability or growth seen in many other urban areas.
The economic fluctuations in Stephen Foster, particularly the recent downward trend in median income, may be indicative of broader economic challenges faced by mid-sized cities or specific sectors of the economy.
Stephen Foster presents a picture of a neighborhood in transition. While maintaining its "White Majority" status, it shows signs of evolving towards greater diversity, particularly with the growth of its Hispanic population. The economic volatility and slight population decline suggest that this demographic shift is occurring alongside broader socio-economic changes, potentially reshaping the character and dynamics of this historic Gainesville neighborhood.
