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Demographic Transition in Forest Lake: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Forest Lake, a neighborhood in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is currently classified as a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 2,162 and a median income of $47,652. Forest Lake is located near the University of Alabama campus.
Over the past decade, Forest Lake has experienced significant changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population comprising 88% of residents. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority status, the community has shifted towards Moderate Diversity.
The most significant change has been the increase in the Black population, rising from 3% in 2013 to 27% in 2022. This shift indicates a trend towards a more diverse community, although it has not yet reached the threshold for High Diversity or Majority-Minority status.
The Asian population in Forest Lake has fluctuated, reaching 3% in 2017-2018 and 2020, but decreasing to 0% in 2022. This variability may be related to changes in the student population associated with the nearby university.
The median income in Forest Lake has shown considerable variation over the past decade. It increased from $25,146 in 2013 to $47,652 in 2022, despite a decrease to $23,820 in 2021. This overall upward trend in income correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood.
The population of Forest Lake has decreased from 2,583 in 2013 to 2,162 in 2022, a reduction of about 16%. This population decline, combined with rising incomes, may indicate a gentrification process or changes in the types of housing available in the area.
The demographic shifts observed in Forest Lake are consistent with broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. The significant increase in the Black population percentage is notable and may reflect broader changes in Tuscaloosa or the state of Alabama.
The economic volatility, particularly the sharp increase in median income from 2021 to 2022, is unusual and may require further investigation. It could be related to changes in the student population, local economic developments, or statistical anomalies.
Forest Lake appears to be a Transitional Community, progressing from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by overall economic growth, despite population decline. The neighborhood's proximity to the University of Alabama likely influences these demographic and economic dynamics, potentially affecting housing patterns, income levels, and the movement of different racial groups.
