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Demographic Transition in Cathedral Park: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Cathedral Park, a neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, exhibits a "White Majority" demographic composition, with 75% of its population identifying as white in 2022. This categorization aligns with the "Low Diversity" term, as one racial group dominates with over 75% representation. The neighborhood shows signs of increasing diversity over the past decade. As of 2022, Cathedral Park had a population of 3,864 with a median income of $71,714. Cathedral Park is known for its iconic St. Johns Bridge, a suspension bridge that serves as a local landmark and provides scenic views of the Willamette River.
Over the past decade, Cathedral Park has undergone a gradual transition from a highly homogeneous "White Majority" community towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having "Low Diversity" with 85% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 75%, still maintaining a "White Majority" but showing signs of becoming more diverse.
The Hispanic population has seen the most significant growth, increasing from 5% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. This shift, along with increases in other minority groups, suggests that Cathedral Park is becoming a "Transitional Community." The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has also increased notably from 3% to 8% over the same period, further supporting this categorization.
The demographic shifts in Cathedral Park have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2018, there was a substantial increase in median income from $59,791 to $86,415, coinciding with the initial stages of increased diversity. However, after 2018, median income became more volatile, dropping to $70,251 in 2020 before rebounding to $78,674 in 2021 and then declining again to $71,714 in 2022.
These economic fluctuations may be both a cause and effect of the demographic changes. The initial income increase could have attracted a more diverse population seeking economic opportunities. The subsequent volatility might reflect broader economic challenges or changes in the neighborhood's composition as it becomes more diverse.
Population growth has been steady over the decade, increasing from 2,858 in 2013 to 3,864 in 2022. This growth aligns with the trend of increasing diversity, suggesting that the neighborhood is attracting new residents from various backgrounds.
The demographic shifts observed in Cathedral Park mirror broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many cities have experienced increasing diversity, particularly with growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations. However, Cathedral Park's changes appear to be occurring at a slower pace compared to national averages, as it maintains a strong white majority.
The economic fluctuations in Cathedral Park, especially the sharp rise and subsequent volatility in median income, may reflect broader economic trends in Portland and other major cities. Many urban areas have experienced gentrification and rapid economic changes, leading to shifts in neighborhood demographics and income levels.
While Cathedral Park remains a predominantly white neighborhood with relatively low diversity, it shows clear signs of transitioning towards a more diverse community. This gradual shift, coupled with economic fluctuations, suggests that the neighborhood is in a period of change that may continue in the coming years, potentially leading to a more diverse and economically dynamic community.
