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Demographic Transition in Gould Park: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Gould Park, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, demonstrates a demographic profile transitioning from a "White Majority" to increased diversity. In 2022, 52% of the population identified as white, indicating a slim majority. The neighborhood's median income was $50,444 in 2022, reflecting a moderate economic status with fluctuations over the past decade. Gould Park is notable for its community gardens, which contribute to community engagement and address food security issues.
Over the past decade, Gould Park has experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited a "Moderate Diversity" profile, with 55% white and 32% black populations. By 2018, it had shifted to a "White Majority" status, with 72% of residents identifying as white. Recent data from 2022 shows a return to "Moderate Diversity," with white residents at 52% and black residents at 36%. This trend suggests Gould Park is becoming a "Transitional Community" moving towards greater racial diversity. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 0% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, further supporting this trend.
The median income in Gould Park has shown volatility over the past decade. It reached a peak of $64,553 in 2013, coinciding with the period of "Moderate Diversity." As the neighborhood transitioned to a "White Majority" between 2014 and 2019, incomes generally declined but remained relatively stable, ranging from $52,000 to $59,000. The recent shift back towards "Moderate Diversity" has been accompanied by a slight decrease in median income to $50,444 in 2022. This may indicate that the neighborhood is attracting a more diverse, potentially younger or working-class population.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 580 and 803 residents over the decade. The recent increase to 795 residents in 2022 might suggest growing attraction to the neighborhood, possibly due to its increasing diversity and community initiatives like the gardens.
The demographic shifts in Gould Park align with broader trends observed in many urban areas across the United States, where historically white-majority neighborhoods are becoming more diverse. This trend is often associated with changing housing preferences, economic opportunities, and cultural shifts. The income fluctuations in Gould Park, particularly the recent decline, may reflect wider economic challenges faced by mid-sized cities in the Midwest. However, the neighborhood's ability to maintain a relatively stable population suggests it continues to attract residents despite these economic pressures.
The increase in residents identifying as two or more races is noteworthy, as it mirrors a national trend observed in the 2020 Census, where this category saw significant growth. This suggests that Gould Park is part of a broader societal shift towards greater racial and ethnic diversity and complexity.
Gould Park exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a period of white majority back towards greater diversity. While this demographic shift has been accompanied by some economic challenges, the stable population and community initiatives like the gardens suggest a resilient and evolving community landscape. The coming years will likely be crucial in determining whether Gould Park continues its trajectory towards becoming a highly diverse and integrated neighborhood.
