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Demographic Transitions in College Town: From Low to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
College Town, a neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is classified as a "Transitional Community" with a trend towards increasing diversity. As of 2022, it has "Moderate Diversity," with a white majority (63%) and a significant Black population (29%). The neighborhood's median income of $59,957 in 2022 indicates a middle-class community, potentially influenced by its proximity to Louisiana State University.
College Town has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, it was categorized as "Low Diversity" with a white majority (83%). By 2022, it transitioned to "Moderate Diversity" with an increase in the Black population from 3% to 29%. This shift represents a trend towards increasing diversity, accelerating from 2019 onwards. The Hispanic population has grown from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's diversification.
The median income has fluctuated over the years, showing no clear correlation with the increasing diversity. The income peaked in 2019 at $71,547 before declining to $59,957 in 2022. This decline coincides with the most rapid period of diversification, potentially indicating changing economic dynamics as the community's composition shifted.
The population has grown from 3,290 in 2013 to 4,588 in 2022, a nearly 40% increase. This population growth, coupled with the diversification, suggests that College Town has become an increasingly attractive area for a wider range of residents.
The demographic shifts in College Town align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas, particularly those near universities. The rapid increase in the Black population percentage is more dramatic than typical national trends, suggesting local factors at play, such as changes in university demographics or shifts in housing policies.
The fluctuating median income, ending slightly lower in 2022 than in 2013 when adjusted for inflation, contrasts with national trends of slowly increasing median incomes. This could reflect changing student populations, shifts in the local job market, or broader economic factors affecting Baton Rouge.
College Town has transformed from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse, dynamic community. This transition likely brings both opportunities and challenges, potentially affecting local businesses, community services, and social dynamics. The area's proximity to a university may continue to drive these changes, making it an interesting case study in urban demographic evolution.
