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Demographic Shifts in West Lakeside: Black Majority with Growing Hispanic Presence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Lakeside, a neighborhood in Oakland Park, Florida, currently represents a Black Majority community with a significant Hispanic presence. As of 2022, the area is characterized by moderate diversity, with Black residents comprising 51% of the population and Hispanic residents making up 39%. The neighborhood has experienced notable demographic shifts over the past decade, coupled with fluctuations in median income. West Lakeside has a population of 527 as of 2022.
Over the past decade, West Lakeside has undergone a transition from a predominantly Black community to one with increasing Hispanic representation. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having Low Diversity with a strong Black Majority (68% Black). However, by 2022, it had evolved into a Moderate Diversity area, still maintaining a Black Majority but with a significant Hispanic presence.
The Hispanic population has shown consistent growth, increasing from 10% in 2013 to 39% in 2022. This trend suggests that West Lakeside could be categorized as a Transitional Community, with the Hispanic population potentially becoming the majority in the near future if current trends continue.
The White population has decreased significantly, from 14% in 2013 to just 6% in 2022, indicating a shift away from this demographic. Other racial groups, including Asians and those of two or more races, have maintained relatively small percentages throughout the decade.
The median income in West Lakeside has experienced significant fluctuations over the years. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general downward trend, with median income dropping from $45,316 to $23,937. However, 2020 saw a dramatic increase to $45,714, which has remained relatively stable through 2022.
These economic shifts appear to correlate with the demographic changes. The period of declining income (2013-2019) coincides with the increasing Hispanic population and decreasing White population. The sudden income increase in 2020 might be related to changes in the neighborhood's economic structure or external factors like new job opportunities or economic development initiatives.
The demographic shifts observed in West Lakeside align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally African American neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of Hispanic residents. This trend is often associated with changing urban dynamics, including gentrification in some areas and shifting immigration patterns.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp income increase in 2020, are somewhat atypical and may warrant further investigation. It could be related to local economic development efforts or changes in the types of jobs available in the area.
West Lakeside represents a microcosm of demographic and economic changes occurring in many urban areas. Its transition from a low-diversity, predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse community with a growing Hispanic presence reflects broader national trends. The economic volatility experienced by the community, culminating in a recent income increase, suggests a neighborhood in flux, potentially adapting to new economic realities and opportunities. As West Lakeside continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these demographic and economic trends shape the community's future identity and socio-economic landscape.
