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Park Forest, Illinois: A Study of Racial Demographics and Population Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Park Forest, Illinois, has evolved into a Black Majority community, with African Americans comprising 70% of the population in 2022. This demographic composition has changed significantly over the past decade, accompanied by moderate fluctuations in median income and a gradual decline in population.
Park Forest transitioned from a Moderate Diversity community in 2013 to a Black Majority by 2022. In 2013, the city had a more balanced racial composition with a Black plurality (64%) and a White minority (27%). Over the decade, the Black population increased while the White population declined, leading to the current Black Majority status.
The median income in Park Forest showed modest growth over the observed period, rising from $56,331 in 2013 to $57,686 in 2022. This represents a nominal increase of about 2.4% over nine years. The shift towards a more pronounced Black Majority coincided with this period of stagnant income growth.
The population of Park Forest has seen a consistent decline, dropping from 21,988 in 2013 to 20,477 in 2022, a decrease of about 6.9%. This population loss, coupled with minimal income growth, indicates potential economic challenges facing the community.
The trends observed in Park Forest – increasing racial homogeneity, stagnant incomes, and population decline – are often seen in suburban areas experiencing economic challenges or demographic transitions. This pattern may reflect broader trends of suburban decline or restructuring observed in many parts of the United States, particularly in the Midwest.
Based on the observed trends, Park Forest is likely to maintain its status as a Black Majority community in the near future. However, the slight increase in the Hispanic population and the consistent presence of a White minority suggest that the community could be in the early stages of transitioning towards greater diversity.
If current trends continue, Park Forest might evolve into a Transitional Community over the next decade, with increasing representation from Hispanic and potentially other minority groups. This transition could be accelerated if economic conditions improve, attracting a more diverse population.
Economically, unless there are significant interventions or changes in local economic drivers, the community may continue to face challenges with stagnant incomes and population decline. However, if the city can leverage its changing demographics to attract new businesses or investment, it could potentially reverse these trends and move towards a more economically vibrant and diverse future.
