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Demographic Transformation of Oak Grove: From Black Plurality to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oak Grove, a neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has undergone a significant demographic transformation over the past decade. As of 2022, it is classified as a Majority-Minority community with a Hispanic Plurality, having a population of 1,169 and a median income of $37,008. The neighborhood has shifted from being predominantly Black to having a significant Hispanic presence.
In 2013, Oak Grove was categorized as a Black Plurality community, with 47% of the population identifying as Black. By 2018, it had become a Majority-Minority community, with Black residents still holding a plurality at 51%. Between 2018 and 2022, the Hispanic population grew substantially, reaching 56% of residents identifying as Hispanic by 2022. Simultaneously, the White population decreased from 37% in 2013 to 8% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Oak Grove correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $16,940. As the Hispanic population grew, there was a steady increase in median income, reaching $41,516 in 2021 before declining to $37,008 in 2022. Despite this increase, Oak Grove's median income remains below the national average.
The growth of the Hispanic population in Oak Grove aligns with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in the Southeast. Many cities have experienced significant growth in their Hispanic communities over the past decade. The transition from a predominantly Black community to one with a Hispanic majority in less than a decade in Oak Grove is notably rapid.
This demographic evolution presents opportunities and challenges for Oak Grove. The increasing diversity could lead to a rich cultural tapestry and potentially attract new businesses. However, it may also lead to tensions as long-time residents adjust to the rapidly changing character of their neighborhood.
As Oak Grove continues to evolve, it will be important for local leaders to implement policies that promote integration, preserve affordable housing, and ensure economic opportunities are accessible to all residents. The neighborhood's changes offer an example of the broader demographic shifts reshaping many American communities in the 21st century.
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