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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Wick Park Neighborhood, Youngstown, Ohio
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wick Park, a neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The neighborhood transitioned from a Black Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity with a Black plurality. In 2013, the Black population comprised 53% of the total, decreasing to 40% by 2022. Conversely, the White population increased from 39% to 42%, and those identifying as two or more races grew from 1% to 11% during this period.
The demographic shifts in Wick Park coincided with modest economic improvements. The median income rose from $17,875 in 2013 to $22,999 in 2022, representing a 28.7% increase. However, this median income remains relatively low compared to national averages. The population experienced a slight decline from 2,178 in 2013 to 2,036 in 2022.
The changes observed in Wick Park align with broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced a decrease in racial majorities and an increase in mixed-race populations over the past decade. The economic growth in Wick Park, while positive, appears to be slower than national averages, potentially reflecting broader economic challenges faced by post-industrial cities in the Rust Belt region.
The significant increase in the multi-racial population from 1% to 11% is particularly notable and exceeds national trends. This could indicate that Wick Park is becoming an increasingly attractive area for mixed-race families or individuals, possibly due to its improving economic conditions and historical community assets such as the 34-acre park that has been a centerpiece of the community since the early 20th century.
In conclusion, Wick Park has transitioned from a Black Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity over the past decade. This shift, combined with modest economic improvements, suggests a neighborhood in transition. While challenges remain, particularly in terms of overall economic development, the increasing diversity and gradual income growth indicate a community that may be on the verge of revitalization, utilizing its historical assets and changing demographic makeup to establish a new identity in the 21st century.
