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Demographic Transition in Bunn Park: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Bunn Park, a neighborhood in Springfield, Illinois, exhibits characteristics of a "Racial Majority" community, with a white population of 64% as of 2022. This majority has been declining over the past decade, suggesting a trend towards increased diversity. The neighborhood's median income of $33,851 in 2022 is relatively low compared to national averages, indicating potential economic challenges. Bunn Park is known for its namesake public park, which serves as a central recreational area for the community.
Over the past decade, Bunn Park has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having "Low Diversity," with the white population at 64% and the black population at 22%. By 2022, while still maintaining a "White Majority," the community has shifted towards becoming a "Transitional Community." The percentage of white residents remained stable at 64%, but the black population increased substantially from 22% to 34%. This change suggests a trend towards greater diversity, potentially moving towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification in the near future.
The Hispanic population showed some growth from 0% in 2013 to 1% in 2022, further contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races decreased from 9% to 0% during this period. The median income in Bunn Park has shown fluctuations over the years, with a general upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $31,786, which increased to $33,851 by 2022, representing a modest 6.5% growth over nine years. This growth has not kept pace with inflation, suggesting a potential decline in real purchasing power for residents.
The lowest median income was recorded in 2019 at $25,980, coinciding with a peak in the black population percentage (26%). The subsequent years saw both an increase in median income and a further rise in the black population percentage, reaching 34% by 2022. The population of Bunn Park has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 924 and 1,235 residents. The slight population increase from 962 in 2013 to 1,115 in 2022 suggests that the neighborhood has maintained its appeal despite economic challenges.
The demographic shifts observed in Bunn Park align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past few decades. The economic growth in Bunn Park appears to lag behind national averages. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 when adjusted for inflation, Bunn Park's growth rate of 6.5% over the same period indicates slower economic progress.
The increasing black population in Bunn Park, rising from 22% to 34% over a decade, is a more pronounced shift than typically seen in many neighborhoods nationwide. This could be indicative of broader changes in Springfield's urban dynamics, possibly related to housing affordability, job opportunities, or community initiatives attracting a more diverse population. Bunn Park is undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving from a low-diversity community towards one with moderate diversity. While economic growth has been present, it has been modest compared to national trends. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and economic development in the years to come.
