Loading Content...
Demographic Stability and Race in Swan Park, Wauwatosa: A Low Diversity, White Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Swan Park, a neighborhood in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, is classified as a Low Diversity neighborhood with a White Majority. As of 2022, the community has a population of 995 and a median income of $143,402. The neighborhood is characterized by high-income residents and a predominantly white demographic composition, which has remained relatively stable over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Swan Park has consistently maintained its status as a Low Diversity neighborhood with a White Majority. The white population has consistently represented over 90% of the total population, with minimal representation from other racial groups. There have been no significant transitions between diversity categories over this period.
There are subtle indications of a potential Transitional Community emerging. From 2016 to 2020, there was a small but consistent Hispanic population (3-5%), which disappeared in the 2021 and 2022 data. Additionally, the percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 0% to 2% in the last two years of the data set. While these changes are minor, they could indicate the beginning of a slow diversification process.
The median income in Swan Park has shown a general upward trend over the past decade, rising from $128,925 in 2013 to $143,402 in 2022, an increase of about 11%. This trend suggests a growing affluence in the neighborhood, which may be contributing to its sustained low diversity. High property values and living costs associated with such incomes can often create barriers to entry for more diverse populations.
The population has fluctuated over the years, with no clear trend. It peaked at 1,312 in 2018 and reached its lowest point of 995 in 2022. These fluctuations do not seem to correlate strongly with changes in median income or racial composition.
Swan Park's demographic stability contrasts with national trends, which have shown increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas over the past decade. The neighborhood's high median income, which is significantly above the national median, likely contributes to this demographic stasis.
The slight increase in residents identifying as two or more races aligns with national trends, as multiracial populations have been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States. However, the scale of this change in Swan Park is much smaller than national averages.
The disappearance of the Hispanic population in recent years is noteworthy and goes against national trends of increasing Hispanic populations in many communities. This could be due to local economic factors, changes in housing availability, or other community-specific issues that would require further investigation to understand fully.
While Swan Park shows signs of potential early-stage demographic shifts, it remains a predominantly white, high-income enclave that has resisted the broader national trends towards increased diversity. The neighborhood's economic prosperity appears to be a significant factor in maintaining its current demographic composition, though subtle changes in recent years suggest that even this stable community may be experiencing the early stages of demographic evolution.
