Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Preston Park: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Preston Park, a neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 13,442 and a median income of $56,781. Preston Park features early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets.
Over the past decade, Preston Park has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population comprising 82% of residents. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority status, the community has evolved towards Moderate Diversity.
The most significant changes include a decrease in the white population from 82% in 2013 to 69% in 2022, an increase in the Hispanic population from 5% to 12%, growth in the Asian population from negligible to 6%, and a slight increase in the Black population from 8% to 12% at its peak in 2017, settling at 8% in 2022. These shifts indicate that Preston Park is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity over time.
The demographic changes in Preston Park have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $54,534 to $56,781, peaking at $60,973 in 2019. This overall upward trend in income suggests that the increasing diversity has not negatively impacted the economic status of the neighborhood.
The population growth from 11,129 in 2013 to 13,442 in 2022 indicates that Preston Park has become an increasingly attractive area for new residents.
The trends observed in Preston Park align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and urban neighborhoods. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over the past decade. The growth in Hispanic and Asian populations in Preston Park mirrors national demographic shifts.
The neighborhood's ability to maintain a relatively stable median income while diversifying is noteworthy. This could suggest that Preston Park has been successful in attracting a mix of socioeconomic groups across different racial backgrounds.
Preston Park's evolution from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community, while maintaining its economic stability, reflects a broader national trend towards more diverse neighborhoods. This transition could lead to a more vibrant and culturally rich community, potentially enhancing the neighborhood's appeal and long-term sustainability.
