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Demographic Shifts in Big Oaks: Increasing Diversity and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Big Oaks, a neighborhood in Harwood Heights, Illinois, is a white majority community with moderate diversity. The white population comprises 67% of residents, with Hispanic (19%) and Asian (11%) minorities as of 2022. The neighborhood has transitioned from low diversity to its current more diverse state over the past decade. Big Oaks has experienced economic growth, with median income increasing from $68,100 in 2013 to $81,312 in 2022.
From 2013 to 2022, Big Oaks underwent a transformation in its racial composition. The white population decreased from 79% to 67%. The Hispanic population increased from 14% to 19%. The Asian community grew from 3% to 11%. Black residents and those of two or more races now make up 2% and 1% of the population respectively. These changes indicate a transition from low diversity to moderate diversity.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes. Median income rose from $68,100 in 2013 to $81,312 in 2022, a 19.4% increase. The population grew from 7,074 in 2013 to 8,048 in 2022, a 13.8% increase. The simultaneous increase in diversity, income, and population suggests that Big Oaks has become more attractive to a wider range of ethnic groups.
The trends in Big Oaks align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The growth in Asian and Hispanic populations reflects national trends of these being the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the United States. The income growth in Big Oaks outpaces the national average, indicating a strong local economy.
The transition towards greater diversity, coupled with economic growth, suggests that Big Oaks is evolving into a more inclusive and prosperous community. This change may bring opportunities such as cultural enrichment and economic vitality, and challenges like potential cultural integration issues. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its economic growth while becoming more diverse could serve as a model for other communities facing similar demographic shifts.
