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Demographic Trends in Lane-Wooster: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
The Lane-Wooster neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, is predominantly Black with a "Racial Majority" status. In 2022, 76% of the population identified as Black, with a median income of $25,120. The neighborhood has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade, reflecting broader urban trends of population shifts and economic challenges. Lane-Wooster has historical significance in Akron's industrial past, with many older homes and structures.
From 2013 to 2022, Lane-Wooster maintained its status as a "Racial Majority" Black community. The Black population decreased from 89% in 2013 to 76% in 2022. The White population increased from 6% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 1% to 5% over the same period. These changes suggest a trend towards slightly increased diversity, potentially indicating the early stages of a "Transitional Community."
The neighborhood experienced a significant increase in median income, rising from $18,707 in 2013 to $25,120 in 2022, a 34% increase. From 2013-2016, there was a slight decrease in median income from $18,707 to $17,404. From 2017-2021, there was a steady increase, peaking at $27,751 in 2021. From 2021-2022, there was a slight decline to $25,120. These economic shifts correlate with demographic changes. The increase in median income coincides with a slight diversification of the neighborhood. The growth in White and Hispanic populations may be linked to economic improvements, possibly indicating some level of gentrification.
Population trends show a decline from 7,851 in 2010 to 5,135 in 2022, a 35% decrease. This population loss, coupled with income growth, suggests a complex dynamic of neighborhood change.
The trends in Lane-Wooster reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The gradual increase in White and Hispanic populations, along with rising incomes, mirrors gentrification trends in other cities. The significant population decrease is common in many Rust Belt cities, including Akron, as they continue to grapple with deindustrialization and suburban migration. While the neighborhood has seen income growth, it remains well below the national median household income, indicating ongoing economic challenges.
The persistence of a strong Black majority in Lane-Wooster, despite these changes, suggests a level of community resilience and cultural continuity that is notable in the face of urban demographic shifts. However, the gradual diversification and economic changes indicate that the neighborhood is not immune to broader urban transformation processes.
This analysis reveals a neighborhood in transition, balancing between maintaining its historical character and adapting to new economic and demographic realities. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Lane-Wooster continues on a path of gradual diversification and economic improvement or if it will stabilize its current demographic and economic profile.
