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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Akin Park, Evansville: From Black Majority to White Majority (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Akin Park, a neighborhood in Evansville, Indiana, has undergone significant demographic changes between 2013 and 2022. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a "Black Majority" community with 62% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, it had transitioned to a "White Majority" status, with 52% of the population identifying as White. This shift was not linear, as the community experienced periods of "Moderate Diversity" and approached "High Diversity" in some years.
The most significant changes occurred between 2015 and 2016, with the Black population decreasing from 46% to 32% and the White population increasing from 43% to 50%. This marked the beginning of a trend towards a White majority that has largely persisted, with some fluctuations. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has generally increased over the years, and 2022 saw the first significant representation of Hispanic (3%) and Pacific Islander (10%) populations.
The demographic shifts in Akin Park have been accompanied by economic changes. The median income increased from $22,492 in 2013 to $52,739 in 2022, more than doubling over the decade. This increase in median income correlates with the shift towards a White majority in the neighborhood. The population has fluctuated considerably, reaching a peak of 953 in 2018 before declining to 581 in 2022.
The demographic and economic changes in Akin Park reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas and the economic challenges faced by historically Black neighborhoods. The rapid increase in median income raises questions about affordability and displacement that are common in gentrifying neighborhoods across the United States.
The introduction of Hispanic and Pacific Islander populations in 2022 aligns with national trends of increasing diversity in previously homogeneous communities. This could indicate that Evansville is becoming more attractive to a wider range of ethnic groups, possibly due to economic opportunities or changing social dynamics.
Akin Park has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly Black community to a moderately diverse, White-majority neighborhood with substantially higher median incomes. These changes reflect broader urban trends but also raise questions about community preservation, affordable housing, and inclusive economic development in Evansville and similar mid-sized American cities.
