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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne, Indiana, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity and a predominant white population. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population stands at 536 residents, with 94% identifying as white. The median income is $50,261, which has experienced a significant decrease over the past decade. Forest Park Boulevard is recognized for its historic residences and tree-lined streets, reflecting its early 20th-century development as an upscale residential area.
Over the past decade, Forest Park Boulevard has maintained its classification as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood. The white population has remained dominant, increasing from 86% in 2013 to 94% in 2022. This trend indicates a reinforcement of the neighborhood's racial homogeneity rather than a shift towards greater diversity. Minor fluctuations have occurred in other racial groups, but none substantial enough to alter the neighborhood's categorization. The Hispanic population reached a peak of 7% in 2016-2017 but has since decreased to 3% in 2022. The black population has remained relatively stable, never exceeding 2% of the total.
The economic trajectory of Forest Park Boulevard contrasts with its stable racial composition. The median income has experienced a substantial decline, decreasing from $77,973 in 2015 to $50,261 in 2022, a reduction of nearly 36%. This downward trend in income levels coincides with a slight increase in population, from 453 in 2015 to 536 in 2022. The inverse relationship between population growth and income decline suggests potential changes in the neighborhood's socio-economic composition. It is possible that as property values or living costs decreased, the area became more accessible to a broader range of income levels within the same racial demographic.
The demographic stability of Forest Park Boulevard differs from national trends, which have generally shown increasing diversity in urban areas. While many U.S. cities have experienced gentrification and demographic shifts, this neighborhood appears to have resisted such changes, at least in terms of racial composition.
The significant income decline observed in Forest Park Boulevard aligns with broader trends seen in many Midwestern cities, where economic restructuring and deindustrialization have impacted household incomes. The median household income in the United States in 2022 was approximately $70,784, indicating that Forest Park Boulevard has fallen significantly below the national average.
The preservation of racial homogeneity coupled with declining incomes presents a case study. It suggests that while the neighborhood has maintained its racial character, it may be experiencing internal economic pressures or shifts in the local job market that are affecting residents' financial well-being. This situation raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the neighborhood's current demographic makeup and the potential for future changes as economic pressures continue to evolve.