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Demographic Transition in Sherwood Forest: From White Majority to Black Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sherwood Forest, a neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, exhibits a "Moderate Diversity" demographic profile with a Black plurality (48%) and a substantial White population (35%) as of 2022. The neighborhood has transitioned from a White majority to its current more diverse composition over the past decade. Sherwood Forest's median income was $68,589 in 2022, representing a middle to upper-middle-class community within Baton Rouge. The neighborhood is characterized by well-established residential areas with mature trees and spacious lots, reflecting its history as a planned suburban development from the mid-20th century.
Over the past decade, Sherwood Forest has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "White Majority" with 53% of the population identifying as White. By 2022, the community had transitioned to a "Black Plurality" with 48% Black residents, while the White population decreased to 35%. This shift can be described as a "Transitional Community" phenomenon, with the Black population showing a consistent upward trend from 28% in 2013 to 48% in 2022. There has been a gradual increase in Asian and Hispanic populations, albeit at a slower rate.
The demographic shifts in Sherwood Forest have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. In 2013, the median income was $77,265, which peaked at $78,045 in 2014 before experiencing a general downward trend, reaching $68,589 in 2022. This represents an overall decrease of about 11% in median income over the decade. The population of Sherwood Forest has grown from 9,866 in 2013 to 12,445 in 2022, an increase of about 26%.
The demographic changes in Sherwood Forest mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced similar transitions from predominantly White communities to more diverse neighborhoods, particularly in the South and near major metropolitan areas.
The economic trends in Sherwood Forest present a nuanced picture. While the national median household income has generally increased over the past decade, Sherwood Forest has seen a decline. This local trend might be influenced by factors specific to Baton Rouge or Louisiana's economy. The growing population despite declining median income could indicate that Sherwood Forest remains an attractive option for families seeking suburban living, potentially offering a balance of affordability and quality of life within the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.
This trend may reflect broader patterns of income inequality and changing demographics in American suburbs, where increasing diversity is sometimes accompanied by shifts in neighborhood socioeconomic status.
