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Lake Oswego: A Predominantly White City with Slow Racial Diversification
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lake Oswego, Oregon, is classified as a city with Low Diversity, predominantly populated by White residents (77% in 2022). The city's median household income was $121,455 in 2022, significantly above the national average. Lake Oswego's population reached 48,384 in 2022, showing consistent growth over the past decade.
Lake Oswego has maintained its Low Diversity categorization over the past decade, with the White population remaining dominant. However, gradual shifts towards increased diversity are evident. The White population decreased from 87% in 2013 to 77% in 2022. The Asian population increased from 5% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, representing the most significant growth among minority groups. The Hispanic population increased slightly from 4% to 5%. The Two or More Races category grew substantially from 2% in 2013 to 7% in 2022.
The demographic changes correlate with a significant increase in median household income. The median income rose from $102,075 in 2013 to $121,455 in 2022, an increase of approximately 19%. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $133,130, followed by a slight decline in 2022. This economic growth coincides with the gradual increase in diversity, suggesting that the city's prosperity may be attracting a more diverse population, particularly in high-income brackets.
Lake Oswego's trends align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in affluent suburbs. The city's changes are gradual compared to rapid diversification seen in some other U.S. metropolitan areas, likely due to its starting point as a predominantly White, high-income community.
Based on observed trends, Lake Oswego is likely to continue its gradual transition towards greater diversity over the next decade. While it may remain in the Low Diversity category in the near term, it could potentially transition to a Moderate Diversity classification if current trends accelerate. The Asian population and those identifying as Two or More Races are likely to see the most significant increases.
Economically, the city is poised to maintain its high-income status, which may continue to attract diverse, affluent professionals. However, the slight decrease in median income in 2022 should be monitored to determine if it represents a temporary fluctuation or the beginning of a new trend.
Lake Oswego represents a slowly Transitional Community, moving from extreme Low Diversity towards a more mixed demographic profile, while maintaining its economic affluence. This gradual change suggests a future where the city may become more representative of the broader demographic makeup of the Portland metropolitan area, albeit at a slower pace than some of its neighboring communities.
