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Demographic Trends in Bellemeade-Baynard Park: From Low to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Bellemeade-Baynard Park neighborhood in Evansville, Indiana, currently presents as a Black Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 2,369 and a median income of $37,364. This area has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade, reflecting broader shifts in urban dynamics and socioeconomic patterns.
In 2013, Bellemeade-Baynard Park was categorized as a Low Diversity community with a strong Black Majority (72% of the population). Over the next decade, the neighborhood transitioned towards increased diversity, though still maintaining a Black Majority status. By 2022, the Black population decreased to 55%, while the White population increased from 24% to 35%. This shift suggests a Transitional Community, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity.
The most notable change occurred in the "Two or More Races" category, which grew from 1% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, indicating an increasing trend towards multiracial identities. Additionally, the Hispanic population, while still small, showed consistent growth from 0% to 2% over the decade.
The demographic shifts in Bellemeade-Baynard Park correlate strongly with economic changes. The median income saw a substantial increase from $27,091 in 2013 to $37,364 in 2022, representing a 38% growth. This economic improvement coincides with the increase in racial diversity, suggesting that the influx of new residents may have brought higher-paying jobs or economic opportunities to the area.
The population fluctuated over the years but showed an overall increase from 2,025 in 2013 to 2,369 in 2022. This 17% population growth, coupled with the income increase, indicates a neighborhood experiencing economic revitalization and attracting new residents.
The trends observed in Bellemeade-Baynard Park reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen similar transitions from low diversity to moderate or high diversity communities over the past decade. The economic growth in this neighborhood is particularly noteworthy, as it outpaces the national average income growth rate for the same period.
The increase in the multiracial population aligns with national trends, as the 2020 U.S. Census reported a significant rise in people identifying as multiracial across the country. This shift in Bellemeade-Baynard Park may be indicative of changing social dynamics and increasing acceptance of diverse identities in the community.
The neighborhood's transition from a predominantly Black community to one with growing White and multiracial populations, while maintaining a Black majority, presents an interesting case study in community evolution. It raises questions about the factors driving this change, such as urban renewal initiatives, changes in housing policies, or broader economic shifts in the Evansville area.
Bellemeade-Baynard Park exemplifies a Transitional Community, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. This evolution reflects broader national trends towards increased racial diversity and economic development in urban neighborhoods, presenting both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and local policymaking.
