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Okolona Neighborhood: Transition from White Majority to Majority-Minority Status (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Okolona, a neighborhood in Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population represents 51% of residents, while Black and Hispanic communities comprise 24% and 20% respectively. The neighborhood's median income of $48,824 in 2022 suggests a working to middle-class community. Okolona is known for its mix of residential areas and commercial corridors, including the Jefferson Mall shopping center.
Over the past decade, Okolona has undergone a transformation from a White Majority community to its current Moderate Diversity status. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having a White Majority, with 61% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 51%, maintaining a White Plurality. The Black community grew from 17% in 2013 to 24% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 15% to 20% over the same period. This trend indicates that Okolona is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The Asian and multiracial populations have remained relatively stable, with slight increases over the decade. This gradual diversification suggests a welcoming environment for various ethnic groups and potentially reflects broader immigration and migration patterns in the Louisville metro area.
The demographic shifts in Okolona have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $41,325 to $48,824, representing an 18% growth. This growth was not linear, with peaks and valleys throughout the decade. The periods of most significant income growth coincided with the acceleration of demographic diversification. The population of Okolona has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations, increasing from 24,597 in 2013 to 24,985 in 2022.
The trends observed in Okolona mirror broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many American suburbs have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past few decades. The economic trajectory of Okolona, with its modest but steady income growth, aligns with national trends of slow but positive economic recovery following the 2008 recession. However, the neighborhood's median income remains below the national median, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021.
Okolona exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a homogeneous demographic makeup to a more diverse and multicultural neighborhood. This shift, coupled with moderate economic growth, suggests a dynamic and evolving community that may face both opportunities and challenges as it continues to diversify in the coming years.
