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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in North Sherwood Forest, Baton Rouge
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Sherwood Forest, a neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, exhibits a Black Majority demographic composition with a median income of $40,102 as of 2022. The area has shown signs of being a Transitional Community over the past decade, with increasing diversity and economic fluctuations. North Sherwood Forest is located near Greenwood Community Park.
In 2013, North Sherwood Forest was categorized as a Black Majority community, with 72% of the population identifying as Black. This categorization has remained consistent throughout the decade, though the percentage has fluctuated. By 2022, the Black population decreased slightly to 70%, while other racial groups, particularly Hispanic and Asian populations, saw increases.
The neighborhood has shown signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. The Hispanic population grew from 5% in 2013 to 20% in 2022. The Asian population increased from 0% to 5% during this period. This trend suggests a gradual move towards Moderate Diversity, although the Black Majority status remains.
The median income in North Sherwood Forest has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $27,703 in 2013 to $40,102 in 2022, an increase of about 45%. This economic improvement correlates with the increasing diversity in the neighborhood. As the Hispanic and Asian populations grew, the median income also rose, suggesting that these demographic changes may have contributed to economic growth.
Income growth was not linear. There were fluctuations, with a peak of $39,833 in 2019, followed by a slight decline in 2020 and 2021, possibly due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery in 2022 indicates resilience in the local economy.
Population figures have been relatively stable over the decade, with a slight overall decrease from 8,537 in 2013 to 8,601 in 2022. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, suggests a gradual transformation of the neighborhood's socio-economic landscape.
The demographic shifts in North Sherwood Forest align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population reflects a pattern seen in many U.S. cities over the past decade. The persistent Black Majority status distinguishes this neighborhood from national averages, where many urban areas are becoming more evenly diverse.
The economic improvements in North Sherwood Forest are notable. The 45% increase in median income over a decade outpaces the national average for income growth during this period, which was closer to 30%.
North Sherwood Forest presents a case of a Black Majority neighborhood experiencing gradual diversification and economic growth. While maintaining its core demographic identity, the community is showing signs of transition, potentially moving towards greater diversity and economic stability in the coming years. These changes may bring both opportunities and challenges as the neighborhood continues to evolve.
