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Demographic Shifts in Stambaugh-Elwood: A Study of Racial Composition Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Stambaugh-Elwood neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, currently presents as a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 78 residents and a median income of $23,045. This neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly white area to one with increasing racial diversity.
In 2013, Stambaugh-Elwood was categorized as a White Majority community, with 64% of the population identifying as white. Over the next few years, the neighborhood maintained this status, increasing to 81% white in 2017. From 2018 onwards, a shift began to occur. By 2020, the neighborhood had transitioned to a Moderate Diversity category, with the white population dropping to 48% and increases in Black and Hispanic populations. This trend continued through 2022, with the white population stabilizing around 55% and Hispanic representation growing to 22%.
The demographic shifts in Stambaugh-Elwood correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, when the neighborhood was predominantly white, the median income was $23,799. This peaked in 2014 at $29,796, coinciding with the highest percentage of white residents (71%). As the community began to diversify, there was a downward trend in median income, reaching a low of $21,999 in 2018. As diversity continued to increase, the median income has shown signs of stabilization, hovering around $23,000 in recent years.
The population of the neighborhood has seen a gradual decline over the decade, from 107 residents in 2010 to 78 in 2022. This population decrease might be linked to the changing demographics and economic conditions, possibly indicating a shift in housing affordability or neighborhood desirability.
The demographic changes in Stambaugh-Elwood reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar patterns of demographic shift, often referred to as gentrification or neighborhood transition. The influx of Hispanic residents aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic populations in many urban areas.
The economic trends in Stambaugh-Elwood diverge somewhat from typical gentrification patterns. Often, increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods is accompanied by rising property values and incomes. In this case, the median income has remained relatively stable or decreased slightly as diversity has increased. This could suggest that Stambaugh-Elwood is experiencing a unique form of neighborhood transition, possibly driven by factors such as affordable housing initiatives or changes in local industry.
The small population size of Stambaugh-Elwood makes it susceptible to rapid demographic changes, as even small shifts in absolute numbers can result in significant percentage changes. This volatility in a small community presents both challenges and opportunities for community cohesion and development.
Stambaugh-Elwood represents a microcosm of demographic change, showcasing how small urban neighborhoods can undergo significant transitions in relatively short periods. The challenge for local policymakers and community leaders will be to navigate these changes while fostering economic stability and community integration.
