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Demographic Transition in Westbrook: Racial Composition and Economic Fluctuations
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westbrook, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, currently exhibits Moderate Diversity, with a Black plurality (43%) and a substantial White population (40%) as of 2022. The neighborhood has undergone significant demographic shifts over the past decade, accompanied by fluctuations in median income. Westbrook is notable for its relatively small population, which has decreased from 781 in 2015 to 529 in 2022, indicating potential challenges in resident retention or changes in housing dynamics.
Over the past decade, Westbrook has transitioned from a Black Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had a clear Black Majority at 57%. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 43%, while the White population increased from 38% to 40%. This shift indicates a Transitional Community, with increasing diversity over time. The Hispanic population has shown significant growth, rising from 1% in 2013 to 14% in 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's increased diversity. The emergence of a small Asian population (1% in 2022) further supports this trend towards greater diversity.
The median income in Westbrook has fluctuated considerably over the years, showing no clear upward or downward trend. It peaked at $50,129 in 2018, coinciding with a period of relatively balanced racial demographics (48% Black, 40% White). However, the income dropped sharply to $33,397 in 2021 before slightly recovering to $37,649 in 2022. These economic fluctuations appear to correlate with demographic shifts. The period of highest income (2018-2019) aligns with a more balanced racial composition, suggesting that increased diversity may have temporary economic benefits. However, the subsequent income decline coincided with a decrease in the Black population percentage and an increase in the Hispanic population, potentially indicating economic challenges associated with this demographic transition.
The demographic changes in Westbrook reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the sharp decline in population from 781 in 2015 to 529 in 2022 diverges from the growth patterns seen in many urban neighborhoods across the U.S. The median income fluctuations in Westbrook are more volatile than typical national trends, which have generally shown steady, if modest, growth over the same period. This volatility could indicate local economic factors or policy changes affecting the neighborhood more acutely than broader regional or national trends.
The increasing Hispanic population in Westbrook aligns with national demographic shifts, as the Hispanic population has been growing in many U.S. cities. However, the rate of increase in Westbrook (from 1% to 14% in a decade) is particularly rapid compared to national averages.
Westbrook exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a historically Black Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. This transition has been accompanied by significant economic fluctuations and a concerning population decline. These changes suggest a community grappling with shifting demographics, potentially impacting local economic stability and community cohesion. The rapid changes observed in Westbrook underscore the importance of targeted community development strategies to manage demographic transitions effectively and ensure economic stability for all residents.
