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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Southgate, Lakewood, Washington
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Southgate neighborhood in Lakewood, Washington, demonstrates Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality as of 2022. The white population constitutes 44% of the community, with Black (16%) and Hispanic (13%) populations following. The median income in 2022 was $44,711, showing overall growth over the past decade despite a slight decrease from the previous year. Southgate's proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord likely influences its demographic composition and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, Southgate has transitioned from a White Plurality community with Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity with a White Plurality (45% white). By 2022, it had evolved into a more diverse area, with the white population remaining the largest group but decreasing to 44%, while other racial groups increased their representation.
The most notable shifts include an increase in the Black population from 10% in 2013 to 16% in 2022, growth in the Hispanic population from 20% in 2013 to a peak of 25% in 2018 before decreasing to 13% in 2022, and a significant increase in the Two or More Races category from 8% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. These changes indicate that Southgate has become a Transitional Community, showing a clear trend towards increasing diversity over the past decade.
The demographic shifts in Southgate correlate with notable changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $34,537 to $44,711, a 29.5% increase. The most significant income growth occurred between 2016 and 2019, coinciding with the period of increasing diversity. There was a slight dip in median income from 2019 to 2022, which may be related to economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The overall increase in median income suggests that the growing diversity in Southgate has been accompanied by economic improvement. This could indicate that the neighborhood has attracted a more diverse, skilled workforce, possibly due to its proximity to the military base and other economic opportunities in the Lakewood area.
The demographic changes in Southgate reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have seen growth in minority populations and a decline in the percentage of white residents over the past decade. The increase in the Two or More Races category is also consistent with national trends, as multiracial identities become more common and acknowledged.
The economic growth in Southgate, while positive, may still lag behind national averages. The 2022 median income of $44,711 is below the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2021. This suggests that while Southgate is experiencing positive economic trends, there may still be room for further economic development and opportunities for residents.
Southgate has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving into a more diverse and economically improved community. These changes reflect broader national trends but also highlight unique local factors, such as the influence of the nearby military base. As Southgate continues to evolve, maintaining this positive trajectory of increasing diversity and economic growth will be crucial for the neighborhood's future development and the well-being of its residents.
