Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Oakland Forest: From Diversity to Black Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oakland Forest, a neighborhood in Oakland Park, Florida, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. The community is classified as a "Black Majority" area, with 53% of the population identifying as Black. The median income in Oakland Forest is $58,017, which is below the national median. Over the past decade, Oakland Forest has undergone significant demographic changes, transitioning from a diverse community to one with a clear racial majority.
In 2013, Oakland Forest was categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community. The Black population comprised 45%, the White population 35%, and the Hispanic population 19%. By 2016, the community transitioned to a state of "Moderate Diversity". The Black population decreased to 37%, the White population remained at 36%, and the Hispanic population declined to 12%. The Asian population increased from 1% to 4%.
From 2017 onwards, a trend towards a "Black Majority" emerged. By 2021, the Black population increased to 53%, maintaining this percentage in 2022. Concurrently, the White population decreased from 37% in 2017 to 24% in 2022. The Hispanic population fluctuated between 12% and 25% during this period.
The demographic shifts in Oakland Forest correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2018, as the community experienced "Majority-Minority" and "Moderate Diversity" periods, the median income increased from $47,523 to $61,663. This period coincided with a more balanced racial distribution and growing Asian population.
As the community transitioned towards a "Black Majority" from 2019 onwards, the median income showed a slight decline, dropping to $58,017 in 2022. This trend suggests a potential correlation between increased racial homogeneity and economic challenges.
Population figures have fluctuated over the decade. The population peaked at 3,079 in 2019 before declining to 2,529 in 2022, potentially indicating outward migration coinciding with the shift towards a Black majority.
The demographic evolution of Oakland Forest reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, but with a unique trajectory. While many U.S. cities are becoming more diverse, Oakland Forest has moved towards a Black majority community. This trend contrasts with the overall increase in diversity seen in many Florida cities over the past decade.
The economic trajectory of Oakland Forest, with its rise and subsequent slight decline in median income, may reflect wider economic challenges faced by minority-majority communities. However, the 2022 median income remains significantly higher than in 2013, suggesting overall economic progress over the decade.
Oakland Forest presents a case study of demographic and economic change. Its transition from a diverse community to a Black majority one, coupled with economic fluctuations, provides insights into the relationship between racial composition and economic outcomes in urban neighborhoods.
