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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lake Somerset, a neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 68% of residents, while the Hispanic population has grown to 21%. The neighborhood has experienced steady population growth over the past decade, reaching 4,865 residents in 2022. Economically, Lake Somerset has seen an increase in median income, rising from $63,683 in 2013 to $68,731 in 2022, indicating a trend towards increased affluence.
Over the past decade, Lake Somerset has undergone a transition from a Low Diversity community to one with Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity with whites comprising 85% of the population. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 68%, while the Hispanic population grew from 7% to 21%. This shift suggests a Transitional Community status, with increasing diversity becoming evident.
The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5% and 10% throughout the decade. Other racial groups, including Asians and those of two or more races, have maintained a minor but consistent presence, contributing to the overall diversification of the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts in Lake Somerset have coincided with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2017, there was a decline in median income from $63,683 to $56,590, which correlated with an increase in diversity during this period. From 2018 onwards, there has been an upward trend in median income, reaching $68,731 in 2022. This economic improvement has occurred alongside continued diversification, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population.
The population of Lake Somerset has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. This suggests that the demographic changes are likely due to a combination of existing residents leaving and new residents moving in, rather than significant overall population growth.
The trends observed in Lake Somerset reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced growth in minority populations, particularly Hispanic residents, over the past decade. The economic trajectory of Lake Somerset, with its recent upward trend in median income, aligns with national post-recession recovery patterns seen in many middle-class neighborhoods.
Lake Somerset's demographic shift appears to be more gradual compared to some rapidly diversifying suburbs in other parts of the country. The neighborhood has maintained a White Majority status throughout the decade, even as it transitions towards greater diversity. This gradual change may have allowed for a smoother integration of new residents and potentially contributed to the recent economic improvements.
The increasing diversity coupled with rising median incomes suggests that Lake Somerset may be attracting a mix of middle to upper-middle class residents from various ethnic backgrounds. This could potentially lead to a more vibrant local economy and cultural scene, while also presenting challenges in terms of maintaining community cohesion and addressing any emerging socio-economic disparities.
Lake Somerset exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while maintaining a White Majority. The economic resilience demonstrated by rising median incomes, particularly in recent years, suggests that this demographic shift has been accompanied by positive economic developments. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect community dynamics, local services, and overall quality of life for all residents.