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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in West Bluff, Peoria: A Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Bluff, a neighborhood in Peoria, Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Moderate Diversity" with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 54% of the community, with Black (28%) and Hispanic (9%) residents representing significant portions. The neighborhood has experienced a population decline from 22,863 in 2010 to 19,363 in 2022. The median income in 2022 was $47,286, an increase from $43,427 in 2013. West Bluff is characterized by its historic architecture, particularly its Victorian-era homes.
Over the past decade, West Bluff has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but with shifts towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having "Low Diversity" with whites comprising 58% of the population and blacks 31%. By 2022, it had transitioned to "Moderate Diversity" with a more balanced representation of racial groups. The white population decreased from 58% in 2013 to 54% in 2022, while the black population decreased from 31% to 28%. The Hispanic population increased from 5% to 9%, and residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% to 5%.
The demographic changes in West Bluff have occurred alongside modest economic growth. The median income increased from $43,427 in 2013 to $47,286 in 2022, representing a growth of about 8.9% over nine years. This growth has not been consistent, with fluctuations observed throughout the decade. The period of greatest diversity (2019-2021) coincided with the highest median incomes, peaking at $49,676 in 2019. This suggests a potential positive correlation between increased diversity and economic prosperity in the neighborhood.
The population decline from 22,863 in 2010 to 19,363 in 2022 (a 15.3% decrease) is noteworthy and may indicate broader socioeconomic challenges facing the community, despite the modest income growth.
The demographic shifts in West Bluff align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations mirrors similar changes seen across many U.S. cities. However, the significant population decline in West Bluff contrasts with the general trend of urban population growth seen in many parts of the country over the same period.
The modest income growth in West Bluff, while positive, may not have kept pace with national averages. According to national data, median household income in the U.S. grew by approximately 10.5% between 2013 and 2022, slightly outpacing West Bluff's 8.9% growth.
West Bluff represents a community in transition, moving towards greater diversity while facing challenges of population decline. The correlation between increased diversity and periods of higher median income suggests potential economic benefits from this demographic shift. However, the overall population decline indicates that the neighborhood may be grappling with broader economic or quality-of-life issues that warrant further investigation and potentially targeted community development efforts.
