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East Lake, Columbia: A Study of Racial Majority and Demographic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Lake, a neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "Racial Majority" with a predominant Black population of 71% as of 2022. The neighborhood's population was 2,819 and its median income was $41,648 in 2022. East Lake's proximity to the University of South Carolina likely influences its demographic and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, East Lake has maintained its status as a "Racial Majority" neighborhood, with the Black population remaining dominant. The percentage of Black residents fluctuated, reaching a low of 53% in 2018 before increasing to 71% in 2022. The white population showed an increasing trend from 24% in 2013 to 31% in 2019, before declining to 26% in 2022. The Hispanic community experienced significant fluctuations, peaking at 14% in 2017 before declining to 2% in 2022.
The median income in East Lake has shown notable fluctuations. There was a consistent decrease from $41,666 in 2013 to $35,222 in 2019, a drop of about 15.5%. The neighborhood then experienced a significant income rebound, with median income rising to $42,733 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $41,648 in 2022. The period of income decline coincided with a slight decrease in the Black majority and an increase in other racial groups. The recent income recovery aligns with the reinforcement of the Black majority.
Population trends have been irregular, with notable increases from 2013 to 2015, followed by fluctuations. The most recent data shows a population increase from 2,348 in 2021 to 2,819 in 2022, coinciding with the stabilization of median income.
The trends in East Lake can be contextualized within broader urban dynamics. The reinforcement of the Black majority and recent income improvements might suggest a form of resistance to gentrification. The proximity to the University of South Carolina likely contributes to the neighborhood's demographic and economic fluctuations. The sharp increase in median income from 2020 to 2021 might reflect a broader post-pandemic economic recovery. The persistent "Racial Majority" status of East Lake aligns with ongoing patterns of racial segregation observed in many American cities.
East Lake represents a neighborhood that has maintained its character as a predominantly Black community while experiencing economic challenges and recovery. The recent trends suggest a stabilization of both racial composition and economic conditions, potentially indicating a period of community resilience in the face of broader urban changes.
