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Larman Lakes Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Demographics and Diversity Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Larman Lakes, a neighborhood in West Lafayette, Indiana, exhibits a "Racial Majority" status with a white population of 74% as of 2022. The area is categorized as having "Low Diversity" due to the dominant white population. The median income in Larman Lakes was $114,854 in 2022, indicating a relatively affluent neighborhood. The area's proximity to Purdue University likely influences its demographic composition and economic status.
Over the past decade, Larman Lakes has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood had a stronger "White Majority" (84%) and "Low Diversity." From 2015 to 2019, there was a notable shift towards increased diversity, particularly with a rise in the Asian population. The Asian population grew from 3% in 2013 to a peak of 22% in 2018, briefly pushing the neighborhood into a "Moderate Diversity" category. This shift coincided with a decrease in the white population from 84% to 71% during the same period. Post-2019, there has been a slight reversal of this trend, with the Asian population decreasing and the white population stabilizing around 74%, returning the neighborhood to a "Low Diversity" classification.
The black population has shown fluctuations, rising from 1% in 2019 to 9% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more diverse community, albeit still within the "Low Diversity" category. The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. As the neighborhood became more diverse between 2013 and 2019, the median income rose steadily from $94,702 to $119,938. The slight reversal in diversity post-2019 coincides with a minor decrease in median income, dropping to $114,854 in 2022.
Population figures show steady growth from 464 in 2010 to 879 in 2019, followed by a slight decline to 782 in 2022. This population trend aligns with the diversity changes, suggesting that the increase in diversity was partly driven by population growth, possibly due to university expansion or local economic opportunities.
The demographic shifts in Larman Lakes reflect broader trends seen in many university towns across the United States. The increase in Asian population from 2013 to 2019 likely mirrors national trends of growing international student enrollment in U.S. universities, particularly from Asian countries. The subsequent slight reversal post-2019 could be related to changes in international student policies or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mobility.
The neighborhood's high median income compared to national averages indicates that Larman Lakes is an affluent area, possibly attracting university faculty, researchers, and professionals associated with Purdue University or related industries. The recent increase in the black population, while still small, might reflect broader national movements towards increased diversity in higher education and professional settings.
Larman Lakes has experienced a notable shift towards increased diversity over the past decade, primarily driven by changes in the Asian and, more recently, black populations. These demographic changes have coincided with economic growth, suggesting a positive correlation between diversity and affluence in this university-adjacent neighborhood. However, the area remains predominantly white and affluent, maintaining its "Low Diversity" classification despite these changes.
