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Demographic Shifts in Fern Hill: From Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Fern Hill, a neighborhood in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 3,129 and a median income of $127,320, indicating a relatively affluent area. Fern Hill is known for its tree-lined streets and a mix of mid-century and modern homes, contributing to its suburban charm within the broader Minneapolis metropolitan area.
Over the past decade, Fern Hill has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population comprising 91% of residents. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority status, the community has shifted towards Moderate Diversity. The white population percentage decreased from 91% in 2013 to 84% in 2022. This shift has been accompanied by increases in other racial groups, particularly Hispanic and Asian populations. The Hispanic population saw the most substantial growth, rising from 3% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, with a peak of 15% in 2020.
The demographic shifts in Fern Hill have occurred alongside economic changes. The median income has shown an upward trend, rising from $102,879 in 2013 to $127,320 in 2022, an increase of about 24%. The population has also grown during this period, from 2,519 in 2013 to 3,129 in 2022, an increase of about 24%. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes and increasing diversity, may indicate that Fern Hill is becoming an increasingly attractive location for a wider range of residents, including higher-income minority families.
The trends observed in Fern Hill align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near major metropolitan centers. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, like many urban regions across the United States, has seen growing diversity in its suburbs over the past decade.
Fern Hill's high median income sets it apart from many transitioning communities. While many diversifying suburbs experience economic challenges, Fern Hill's rising incomes suggest a more positive economic trajectory alongside its demographic changes. The neighborhood's ability to maintain high property values and attract affluent residents from diverse backgrounds could be indicative of its strong local amenities, quality schools, or proximity to employment centers in the Twin Cities area.
Fern Hill represents an example of a traditionally homogeneous, affluent suburban neighborhood gradually transitioning towards greater diversity while maintaining its economic strength. This pattern of change could offer insights into how other similar communities might evolve in the coming years, balancing demographic shifts with economic stability and growth.
