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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in West Lusher Neighborhood, Elkhart, Indiana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Lusher, a neighborhood in Elkhart, Indiana, is classified as a White Majority community with a median income of $23,940 as of 2022. The white population comprises 56% of the total, exceeding the 50% threshold for a racial majority. The neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more diverse composition to its current state. West Lusher has a population of 482 residents in 2022.
West Lusher has undergone a transformation in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a White Majority (61% white). From 2014 to 2017, it transitioned to a Majority-Minority status, with no single racial group constituting over 50% of the population. During this period, the community showed Moderate Diversity, with representation from Black, Hispanic, and White populations.
The years 2018 and 2019 marked a shift back towards a White Plurality, with the white population increasing but not reaching majority status. From 2020 to 2022, West Lusher returned to a White Majority classification, with a smaller margin than in 2013. This demographic evolution suggests a Transitional Community, with fluctuations in racial composition potentially influenced by socio-economic factors or local policy changes.
The median income in West Lusher has shown an upward trend over the decade, rising from $17,723 in 2013 to $23,940 in 2022. This represents an increase of about 35% over nine years. The most significant increase occurred between 2014 and 2015, when the median income increased by about 24%. The period of greatest racial diversity (2014-2017) coincided with rapid income growth. As the neighborhood transitioned back to a White Majority from 2018 onwards, income growth slowed but remained relatively stable.
The population of West Lusher has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 636 in 2012 and reaching its lowest point of 383 in 2021. The recent increase to 482 in 2022 might indicate renewed interest in the neighborhood, possibly due to improved economic conditions.
The demographic shifts in West Lusher reflect trends seen in many American cities. The transition from a White Majority to a more diverse composition, followed by a return to White Majority status, could be indicative of gentrification processes observed in urban areas. The income growth in West Lusher, while significant, may still place it below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that while the neighborhood has seen economic improvement, it may still face economic challenges compared to national averages.
The fluctuations in racial composition and the correlation with income changes highlight the interplay between demographics and economic factors in urban neighborhoods. West Lusher's experience underscores the dynamic nature of urban demographics and the potential impacts of economic shifts on community composition.
