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Racial Composition and Demographic Trends in Baker Street, Bakersfield
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Baker Street in Bakersfield, California, is classified as a Racial Plurality neighborhood. As of 2022, Hispanic residents constitute the largest group at 52% of the population, not reaching a majority. The area exhibits Moderate Diversity, with significant representation from both Hispanic and White populations. The neighborhood's median income has remained relatively stable, ranging from $60,000 to $63,000 over the past decade. Baker Street has historical connections to Bakersfield's oil industry, with many residents traditionally employed in petroleum-related jobs.
Over the past decade, Baker Street has experienced subtle changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a Majority-Minority area, with the Hispanic population at 51% and White residents at 45%. By 2022, while maintaining Majority-Minority status, the Hispanic percentage increased to 52%, and the White population decreased to 40%. This shift indicates a gradual trend towards increased Hispanic representation, though not significant enough to be classified as a Transitional Community.
The neighborhood has consistently maintained Moderate Diversity throughout the observed period. There has been a slight increase in diversity with the emergence of small but growing Asian, Black, and Native American populations by 2022, which were not present or not recorded in earlier years.
The median income in Baker Street has shown relative stability over the years, with some fluctuations. In 2013, the median income was $60,537, and by 2022 it had risen slightly to $61,991. This represents a modest 2.4% increase over a decade, barely keeping pace with inflation. The years with the highest Hispanic representation (2016-2018, at 56-57%) coincided with a period of steadily increasing median incomes, peaking at $62,941 in 2017. This suggests that the growing Hispanic population may have contributed positively to the local economy during this time.
Population figures have remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 3,600 and 4,200 residents throughout the decade. The slight population growth does not appear to have significantly impacted the racial composition or economic status of the neighborhood.
The demographic trends in Baker Street mirror broader patterns seen in many California cities, where Hispanic populations have been growing steadily. However, the rate of change in Baker Street appears slower compared to some other urban areas in the state. Economically, while Baker Street's median income has remained relatively stable, it has not kept pace with California's overall median income growth. This suggests that while the neighborhood has maintained its economic status, it may be falling behind in terms of relative prosperity compared to the state as a whole.
The persistence of a significant White population alongside the growing Hispanic majority reflects a level of integration that is characteristic of many evolving Californian neighborhoods. However, the limited representation of other racial groups (Asian, Black) suggests that Baker Street may be less diverse than some of California's more cosmopolitan urban areas.
Baker Street presents a picture of gradual demographic change and economic stability. While it maintains its Moderate Diversity status, the slow shift towards increased Hispanic representation and the emergence of small but growing minority populations hint at potential future transitions. The economic resilience of the neighborhood, despite modest growth, suggests a stable community adapting to changing demographics while maintaining its character.
