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Demographic Shifts in Oaklawn Fairweight: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oaklawn Fairweight, a neighborhood in Danville, Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" community. As of 2022, the neighborhood shows a distribution of racial groups with a white population at 45%, a Black population at 37%, and a Hispanic presence at 16%. This mix reflects a community transitioning from its historical white majority status. Economically, the area has a median income of $31,416 in 2022, below the national average, indicating a working-class neighborhood facing economic challenges.
Over the past decade, Oaklawn Fairweight has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having a "White Majority" with 57% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with no single group holding a majority. The white population percentage declined while Black and Hispanic populations increased.
The most significant change occurred between 2013 and 2021, where the white population decreased from 57% to 40%, while the Black population increased from 31% to 41%. The Hispanic population showed consistent growth, doubling from 8% in 2013 to 16% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more multicultural community. These shifts suggest a "Transitional Community" status, with increasing diversity becoming a defining characteristic of Oaklawn Fairweight over the decade.
The demographic changes in Oaklawn Fairweight have occurred alongside economic fluctuations. The median income has shown modest growth overall, rising from $28,328 in 2013 to $31,416 in 2022, an increase of about 11% over nine years. This growth has not been consistent, with notable fluctuations such as a peak of $36,098 in 2018 followed by a decline. The periods of significant racial demographic change do not directly correlate with major shifts in median income, suggesting that economic opportunities have not substantially improved for residents overall.
The demographic shifts observed in Oaklawn Fairweight reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population aligns with national trends of increasing Hispanic representation across the United States. Economically, Oaklawn Fairweight's median income remains below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by the community.
The population decline from 6,289 in 2012 to 4,808 in 2022 is noteworthy and could indicate broader economic or social pressures affecting the area. This decline, coupled with changing demographics, may reflect shifts in housing affordability, job opportunities, or other factors influencing residential choices. Oaklawn Fairweight exemplifies a community in transition, moving towards greater racial diversity while grappling with persistent economic challenges. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader national trends towards multiculturalism but also highlights the complex interplay between demographic change and economic development in urban America.
