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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in East Fairfields, Baton Rouge: A Transitional Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Fairfields, a neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade. As of 2022, the neighborhood is categorized as having a Black Plurality, with 50% of the population identifying as Black. This represents a substantial shift from earlier years, indicating a Transitional Community. The neighborhood has experienced an increase in its median income, rising from $24,836 in 2013 to $39,170 in 2022, suggesting economic growth alongside demographic changes. East Fairfields is located near Southern University, which may influence its demographic makeup and economic trends.
East Fairfields has transitioned from a Low Diversity community with a clear Racial Majority to a more diverse and transitional neighborhood. In 2013, the area had a strong Black Majority with 89% of the population identifying as Black. Over the years, this majority has diminished, leading to a Black Plurality by 2022. The most significant change occurred between 2019 and 2021, where the Black population decreased from 88% to 52%, while the Two or More Races category increased from 0% to 38%. This rapid shift suggests a potential influx of multiracial residents or changes in how residents identify themselves.
The White population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 7% and 17% over the decade. The Hispanic population has consistently been very small, never exceeding 2%. Other racial categories, including Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander, have maintained negligible representation throughout the period.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory shows a positive trend, with median income nearly doubling from $24,836 in 2013 to $45,302 in 2019. However, there was a slight decline to $39,170 in 2022. This overall increase in median income correlates with the diversification of the neighborhood's racial composition, suggesting that the demographic shifts might be linked to economic opportunities or changes in the local housing market.
The population has grown from 3,023 in 2013 to 3,991 in 2022, indicating that East Fairfields has become a more attractive place to live. This population growth, combined with income increases and racial diversification, points to a neighborhood undergoing significant socio-economic changes.
The demographic shifts in East Fairfields reflect broader national trends of increasing racial diversity, particularly in urban areas. The rapid growth in the multiracial population mirrors the national trend seen in the 2020 U.S. Census, where the multiracial population grew significantly faster than any single-race population.
The economic growth in East Fairfields outpaces the national average, with its median income increasing by about 58% from 2013 to 2022, compared to the U.S. median household income growth of approximately 30% during a similar period. This suggests that East Fairfields is experiencing faster economic development than many other areas in the country.
The neighborhood's proximity to Southern University likely plays a role in its demographic and economic evolution. Universities often attract diverse populations and can stimulate local economies, which aligns with the observed trends in East Fairfields.
East Fairfields exemplifies a Transitional Community that has evolved from a predominantly Black neighborhood with lower incomes to a more diverse area with improved economic indicators. This transition reflects broader national trends towards increased diversity and suggests a dynamic period of change for this Baton Rouge neighborhood.
