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Demographic Shifts in Forest Park West: A Study of Racial Diversity and Economic Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Forest Park West, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, exhibits characteristics of a Moderate Diversity community with a transitioning demographic landscape. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 4,132 and a median income of $67,668. The neighborhood experienced rapid population growth over the past decade, increasing by over 32% from 2013 to 2022, suggesting significant development and attraction of new residents.
In 2013, Forest Park West was categorized as having a White Majority, with 60% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, the neighborhood transitioned to a Moderate Diversity community. No single racial group comprised more than 50% of the population, with white residents decreasing to 39%, while Black (29%), Hispanic (15%), and multiracial (12%) populations increased significantly.
The demographic shifts in Forest Park West have been accompanied by economic changes. The median income has seen fluctuations, with a general upward trend. From $52,156 in 2013, it rose to a peak of $92,679 in 2021 before adjusting to $67,668 in 2022. This overall increase of about 30% in median income over the decade suggests economic growth alongside the increasing diversity.
The population growth from 2,916 in 2013 to 4,132 in 2022 indicates that Forest Park West has become an increasingly attractive neighborhood. This population increase, coupled with rising incomes and growing diversity, suggests a neighborhood undergoing gentrification or revitalization, attracting a more diverse mix of residents with higher incomes.
The trends observed in Forest Park West align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white neighborhoods to more diverse communities, often accompanied by economic changes.
The significant increase in the Hispanic population (from 3% in 2013 to 15% in 2022) mirrors national trends of growing Hispanic populations in many urban areas. Similarly, the growth in the multiracial population (from 2% to 12%) reflects the increasing prevalence of multiracial identities nationwide.
The economic growth in Forest Park West has not been linear. The increase in median income to $92,679 in 2021, followed by a decrease to $67,668 in 2022, could reflect broader economic volatility, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Forest Park West exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a White Majority to a Moderate Diversity community with elements of a Transitional Community. This demographic shift, coupled with overall economic growth and significant population increase, suggests a neighborhood experiencing rapid change and potentially becoming a more diverse urban area. The fluctuations in median income indicate potential economic challenges or instabilities that may affect the community's future development.
