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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Park Center, a neighborhood in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, currently presents as a Majority-Minority community with a Black Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 3,352 and a median income of $41,813. This area has undergone significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transforming from a moderately diverse community to one with a clear racial majority. Park Center is known for its proximity to the Mississippi River and its mix of residential and commercial areas, reflecting the broader demographic changes occurring in many suburban communities across the United States.
In 2013, Park Center exhibited Moderate Diversity, with White (42%), Black (25%), and Asian (18%) populations forming the largest groups. Over the next few years, the neighborhood maintained this moderate diversity, with slight increases in the Black and Asian populations. A significant transition occurred between 2019 and 2020. The neighborhood shifted from Moderate Diversity to a Black Majority, with the Black population increasing from 36% to 61%. This change coincided with a decrease in the White population, dropping from 34% to 15%. Since 2020, the neighborhood has maintained its Black Majority status, though with a slight decrease to 52% by 2022.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2018, as the neighborhood maintained its moderate diversity, the median income showed a general upward trend, peaking at $63,703 in 2018. However, coinciding with the shift to a Black Majority in 2020, there was a decline in median income, dropping to $42,503. This trend continued, with the 2022 median income at $41,813. The population has also seen fluctuations, with a notable increase from 2,127 in 2019 to 3,116 in 2020, aligning with the demographic shift.
The rapid demographic shift observed in Park Center is more dramatic than typical suburban demographic changes, which often occur more gradually. This accelerated change might reflect broader trends of increasing diversity in American suburbs, but the speed and extent of the shift are noteworthy.
The economic downturn coinciding with the demographic change may indicate challenges in economic integration or potential disparities in job opportunities for the new majority population. This trend contrasts with national patterns where increasing diversity often correlates with economic growth in suburban areas.
The sharp decrease in median income also stands out against national trends. The extent of the income drop in Park Center suggests local factors may be at play, possibly related to the rapid demographic shift.
In conclusion, Park Center has undergone a transformation from a moderately diverse community to one with a clear Black Majority over the past decade. This change has been accompanied by economic challenges, as evidenced by the declining median income. These shifts present opportunities and challenges for community leaders and policymakers in addressing economic disparities and fostering inclusive growth in this evolving neighborhood.