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Demographic Trends in Southwest Lakeland: A Shift from Low to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Southwest neighborhood of Lakeland, Florida, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The white population constitutes 67% of the neighborhood, with Hispanic representation at 24%. The median income of $52,742 in 2022 suggests a middle-class suburban area. This neighborhood has seen substantial population growth over the past decade.
Over the past decade, the Southwest neighborhood has undergone a transition from a Low Diversity community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, it was in the White Majority category with 83% white population. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 67%, while the Hispanic population grew from 8% to 24%. This shift suggests a Transitional Community pattern. The black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5-13% over the years. The Asian population has shown a slight increase from 0% to 2%.
The median income in the neighborhood has shown moderate growth, increasing from $48,736 in 2013 to $52,742 in 2022, representing an 8.2% increase over nine years. This growth has not kept pace with inflation, suggesting a relatively stable economic situation. The population of the neighborhood has grown from 3,192 in 2013 to 4,395 in 2022, a 37.7% increase. This population growth, coupled with the increasing diversity, may indicate that the area is becoming more attractive to a wider range of demographic groups.
The demographic shifts observed in the Southwest neighborhood of Lakeland align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide pattern of Hispanic population growth and dispersion beyond traditional urban centers. The moderate income growth in the neighborhood is consistent with national trends of slow wage growth for middle-class households over the past decade. However, the substantial population growth in this neighborhood outpaces the national average.
The Southwest neighborhood of Lakeland has transformed from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more moderately diverse community with a growing Hispanic population. This demographic shift, coupled with steady economic indicators and significant population growth, indicates a dynamic, evolving suburban neighborhood. The area's ability to attract new residents while maintaining a relatively stable economic profile suggests it may be well-positioned for further development and diversification in the coming years.
