Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Southwyck, Toledo: Analysis of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Southwyck, a neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio, is classified as a "White Majority" community with 62% of its population identifying as white in 2022. This classification has been changing over the past decade, moving towards increased diversity. The neighborhood's median income was $47,233 in 2022, which is lower than the national median. Southwyck previously contained a shopping mall that closed in 2008.
Over the past decade, Southwyck has been transitioning from a "Low Diversity" community towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification. In 2013, the white population was 69% of the total, near "Low Diversity" status. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 62%, while other racial groups, particularly Black and Hispanic populations, increased.
The Black population grew from 22% in 2013 to 22% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 4% to 8% during this period. The "Two or More Races" category grew from 2% to 5%. These trends suggest Southwyck is becoming a "Transitional Community," with consistent increases in minority populations over the years. If these trends continue, the neighborhood may transition from a "White Majority" to a "White Plurality" or a "Majority-Minority" community in the future.
The median income in Southwyck has fluctuated over the decade, with an overall upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $45,925, which increased to $53,960 in 2021 before dropping to $47,233 in 2022. As the community has become more diverse, there hasn't been a clear correlation with income levels. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 when the community was more diverse than in 2013.
The population of Southwyck has remained relatively stable over the decade, with a slight decrease from 17,339 in 2013 to 16,311 in 2022. This stability, combined with increasing diversity, might indicate that the neighborhood is attracting new residents from various backgrounds while some original residents may be moving out.
The demographic shifts observed in Southwyck align with broader national trends towards increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have been experiencing similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past few decades.
The economic fluctuations in Southwyck, particularly the recent drop in median income, may reflect wider economic challenges faced by mid-sized cities in the Midwest. Toledo, like many cities in the region, has been working to reinvent its economy following declines in traditional manufacturing sectors.
The closure of Southwyck Mall in 2008 likely had a significant impact on the neighborhood's economy and could have influenced both demographic and economic trends. The loss of a major commercial center often leads to changes in local employment opportunities and can affect housing values and neighborhood attractiveness.
Southwyck is undergoing a demographic transition that reflects broader national trends towards increased diversity in suburban areas. While the neighborhood still maintains a white majority, it is evolving towards a more diverse community composition. The economic picture is mixed, with overall growth in median income over the decade, but recent challenges that may be tied to broader regional and national economic factors.
