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Demographic Shifts in Firestone Park: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Firestone Park, a neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, demonstrates characteristics of a "White Majority" community, with 68% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The area shows signs of increasing diversity over the past decade. Firestone Park presents a middle-class suburban profile with a median income of $48,674 in 2022. The neighborhood has historical connections to the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which influenced its development and character.
At the beginning of the decade, Firestone Park was categorized as having "Low Diversity," with 81% of the population identifying as white in 2013. Over the years, the neighborhood has gradually transitioned towards "Moderate Diversity." The percentage of white residents has decreased, while the proportion of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial residents has increased.
The Black population grew from 11% in 2013 to 16% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from less than 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 3% to 8% during this period. These shifts suggest a trend towards a more diverse community, potentially moving towards a "Transitional Community" classification if current trends continue.
The median income in Firestone Park has shown fluctuations over the decade, with an overall upward trend. From $46,875 in 2013, it rose to $54,373 in 2021 before dropping slightly to $48,674 in 2022. This general increase in median income correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The population has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations between 16,000 and 17,000 residents throughout the decade.
The demographic shifts observed in Firestone Park align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past few decades. The economic resilience of Firestone Park is notable in the context of Akron's broader economic challenges.
The increase in racial diversity, particularly the growth in the Black and Hispanic populations, reflects national trends of minority groups moving to suburban areas. The significant increase in multiracial residents also aligns with national trends, as the multiracial population has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States.
Firestone Park is undergoing a gradual but significant demographic transformation, moving from a low-diversity, predominantly white neighborhood to a more diverse community. This shift, coupled with economic improvements, suggests a dynamic and evolving suburban landscape that reflects broader national trends of increasing suburban diversity and economic restructuring in former industrial areas.
