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Douglas Park, Kentucky: Demographic Transition to Majority-Minority Status
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Douglas Park, located in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, has undergone significant demographic changes. As of 2022, the neighborhood is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community. The current demographic composition consists of 46% Hispanic, 31% Black, and 21% White populations. This diverse mix represents a recent shift from the neighborhood's historical composition. The median income in Douglas Park has increased from $41,716 in 2019 to $45,068 in 2022, indicating economic growth alongside demographic changes.
Over the past decade, Douglas Park has experienced a notable transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "Racial Majority" with Black residents comprising 50% of the population. By 2022, the community transitioned to a "Majority-Minority" status, with Hispanic residents becoming the largest group at 46%, followed by Black residents at 31%. The Hispanic population increased dramatically from 2% in 2019 to 46% in 2022, while the Black population decreased slightly from 32% to 31%, and the White population decreased from 25% to 21% during the same period.
The demographic shifts in Douglas Park correlate with significant changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the median income grew modestly from $36,521 to $41,716. However, there was a substantial increase to $61,096 in 2020 and $66,338 in 2021, before adjusting to $45,068 in 2022. This economic volatility coincides with the period of rapid demographic change. The population figures show fluctuations throughout the decade, with a decrease from 1,470 in 2019 to 981 in 2020, followed by an increase to 1,590 in 2022.
The rapid increase in the Hispanic population in Douglas Park is noteworthy when compared to national trends. While the Hispanic population has been growing across the United States, the rate of change in Douglas Park exceeds national averages. This could indicate that Lexington-Fayette has become a new hub for Hispanic immigration or internal migration within the country.
The economic volatility observed in Douglas Park, with sharp increases in median income followed by a moderation, may reflect broader economic trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Many urban areas experienced significant economic shifts during this period, though the extremity of the changes in Douglas Park suggests local factors at play as well.
Douglas Park exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a diverse, majority-minority area with a strong Hispanic presence. This demographic shift, coupled with significant economic changes, presents both challenges and opportunities for community cohesion, local businesses, and public services adapting to serve a changing population.
