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Demographic Shifts in Wallhaven: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wallhaven, a neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community, with 60% of its population identifying as white in 2022. This neighborhood has experienced gradual shifts in its demographic composition over the past decade. With a median income of $60,662 in 2022 and a population of 4,916, Wallhaven presents a case study of demographic evolution in a mid-sized Midwestern city neighborhood.
Over the past decade, Wallhaven has undergone a transition. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity, with the white population at 64% and minimal representation from other groups. By 2022, the community had shifted towards Moderate Diversity. The percentage of white residents decreased from 64% to 60%, while other racial groups, particularly those identifying as two or more races and Hispanic, saw increases.
The Black population in Wallhaven has fluctuated over the years, starting at 28% in 2013, decreasing to 20% by 2020, and then rising again to 24% in 2022. This fluctuation suggests a dynamic interplay of factors affecting racial composition in the neighborhood.
The most significant change has been in the "Two or More Races" category, which increased from 3% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more multiracial community. The Hispanic population also increased from less than 1% to 4% over the same period. These shifts suggest that Wallhaven is evolving into a Transitional Community, moving away from its previous Low Diversity status towards increased racial heterogeneity.
The demographic changes in Wallhaven have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $54,865 to $60,662, representing a growth of about 10.6%. This growth was not linear, with notable peaks and valleys throughout the decade. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $69,320, coinciding with the lowest percentage of Black residents (17%) and the highest percentage of residents identifying as two or more races (9%).
The population of Wallhaven has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 4,800 and 5,100 residents. This stability in population size, coupled with the gradual demographic shifts and overall increase in median income, suggests a neighborhood undergoing subtle but significant changes in its socio-economic fabric.
The trends observed in Wallhaven align with broader patterns seen in many American cities. The increase in multiracial and Hispanic populations reflects national demographic trends, as the United States becomes increasingly diverse. The gradual increase in median income, despite fluctuations, is also consistent with general economic recovery and growth patterns observed in many urban areas following the 2008 financial crisis.
The transition from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, and the neighborhood's evolution into a Transitional Community, mirrors changes occurring in many traditionally homogeneous neighborhoods across the country. These shifts often influence local culture, businesses, and community dynamics.
Wallhaven presents a microcosm of demographic and economic changes occurring in many American neighborhoods. Its gradual shift towards greater diversity, coupled with overall economic growth, suggests a community in transition, adapting to broader societal changes while maintaining its core character.
