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Demographic Shifts in Oakridge: From Moderate Diversity to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Oakridge neighborhood in Garland, Texas, has transitioned from a moderately diverse community to a Majority-Minority area with a Hispanic plurality. As of 2022, the Hispanic population comprises 37% of residents, followed by White (24%) and Black (18%) populations. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade, along with fluctuations in median income. Oakridge has seen a substantial population increase, growing from 6,515 in 2019 to 8,815 in 2022, indicating a rapid influx of new residents.
In 2013, Oakridge had moderate diversity, with White residents forming a plurality (35%), followed by Asian (26%) and Hispanic (26%) populations. From 2013 to 2015, the community maintained moderate diversity with a White plurality. Between 2016 and 2019, it became a transitional community, moving towards high diversity. From 2020 to 2022, it shifted to a Majority-Minority status with moderate diversity and a Hispanic plurality. Notable changes include a decline in the White population from 35% to 24%, an increase in the Hispanic population from 26% to 37%, and a significant rise in the Black population from 5% to 18%.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2015, as the community maintained moderate diversity, median income declined from $69,392 to $62,057. During the transition towards high diversity from 2016 to 2019, median income fluctuated but generally decreased, reaching $59,096 in 2019. As the community solidified into a Majority-Minority status from 2020 to 2022, median income initially dropped to $56,465 in 2020 but then increased to $60,782 by 2022. The overall trend shows a decrease in median income as the community became more diverse, potentially indicating that newer residents may be attracted by more affordable housing options.
The demographic shifts in Oakridge align with broader trends seen in many suburban areas across the United States, particularly in the Sun Belt region. The increasing Hispanic population reflects the growing Latino presence in Texas and the broader Southwest. The significant growth in the Black population is noteworthy and may indicate that Garland is becoming an attractive destination for African American families seeking suburban lifestyles.
The fluctuating but generally decreasing median income, coupled with population growth, suggests that Oakridge may be transitioning from a middle-class suburb to a more economically diverse area. This trend is observed in many inner-ring suburbs across the country as cities expand and demographics shift.
The rapid population growth from 2019 to 2022 (35% increase) outpaces the general growth rate of most suburban areas. This could indicate that Oakridge is becoming a desirable location for new residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, possibly due to factors such as affordability, job opportunities, or improved amenities.
Oakridge exemplifies the dynamic nature of suburban demographics in the 21st century. Its evolution from a moderately diverse community to a Majority-Minority area with increasing Hispanic and Black populations reflects broader national trends of suburbanization among minority groups. The economic challenges and recent rebound in median income suggest a community in flux, potentially on the cusp of further changes as it adapts to its new demographic reality.
