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West Wood, Dayton: A Study of Racial Composition and Demographic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Wood, a neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a Racial Majority. As of 2022, the African American population constitutes 94% of the residents, categorizing West Wood as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. The area has a median income of $27,965 in 2022, below the national average. West Wood is known for its community ties and historical significance in Dayton's industrial heritage.
Over the past decade, West Wood has maintained its status as a Black Majority neighborhood. From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood showed potential for increased diversity, with a slight decrease in the Black population from 92% to 87% and small increases in White and multiracial populations. From 2018 to 2022, this trend reversed, with the Black population increasing from 88% to 94%, solidifying its Low Diversity classification. West Wood never transitioned out of its Black Majority status during this period.
The economic trajectory of West Wood shows an upward trend in median income, with fluctuations. From 2013 to 2017, median income remained around $20,000. From 2018 to 2022, a notable increase occurred, with median income rising from $24,347 to $27,965. This economic improvement coincides with the consolidation of the Black Majority status.
Population trends show a decline from 6,061 in 2010 to 4,228 in 2022, a nearly 30% decrease. This population loss may have contributed to the concentration of the Black population and could be linked to broader economic challenges in the area.
The demographic profile of West Wood contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban areas are experiencing growing minority populations and transitions to Majority-Minority status, West Wood has become more homogeneous over time.
The economic improvements, while positive, still leave West Wood below the national median household income ($70,784 in 2021). This suggests that while the neighborhood is making progress, it continues to face economic challenges compared to national averages.
The population decline in West Wood is more severe than many other urban areas, which may reflect broader challenges in Dayton's economy or specific local factors affecting this neighborhood.
West Wood presents a case of a neighborhood that has maintained and strengthened its Black Majority status over the past decade, while experiencing modest economic improvements and significant population loss. This trend suggests an interplay between racial demographics, economic conditions, and population dynamics that may be particular to this neighborhood's history and local context.
