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Daufuskie Island, South Carolina: Demographic Shift from White to Hispanic Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. The population stands at 569 with a median income of $136,607, categorizing it as a "Low Diversity" community. The island's population is predominantly white (64%) with a significant Hispanic presence (31%), indicating a recent shift towards increased diversity.
Over the past decade, Daufuskie Island has transitioned from a highly homogeneous community to one displaying signs of increasing diversity. In 2013, it was categorized as "Low Diversity" with 98% of the population being white. By 2022, while still classified as "Low Diversity," the community has experienced a substantial increase in its Hispanic population.
The most notable change occurred between 2019 and 2022, with the Hispanic population growing from 2% to 31%. This rapid shift suggests Daufuskie Island is becoming a "Transitional Community," moving towards "Moderate Diversity."
The median income has demonstrated an overall upward trend, rising from $103,906 in 2013 to $136,607 in 2022, an increase of approximately 31%. This economic growth coincides with the diversification of the population, suggesting that the influx of new residents may be related to economic opportunities or changing local industries.
The population has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 648 in 2014 and dropping to a low of 410 in 2017, before rising again to 569 in 2022. These fluctuations could be attributed to economic factors, housing availability, or changes in the island's appeal to different demographic groups.
The rapid increase in Hispanic population on Daufuskie Island is significant and may reflect broader trends of increasing Hispanic populations in the southeastern United States. The high median income ($136,607 in 2022) is considerably above the national median, indicating that Daufuskie Island is an affluent community, potentially attracting high-income earners from diverse backgrounds.
Based on observed trends, Daufuskie Island is likely to continue its transition towards greater diversity. If the current trajectory persists, it can be predicted that within the next 5-10 years, the community may shift from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity." The Hispanic population may continue to grow, potentially reaching a point where the island could be categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community if the white population drops below 50%.
Economically, the steady increase in median income suggests continued prosperity. However, as the community becomes more diverse, it will be important to monitor whether this economic growth is equitably distributed among all racial groups.
Daufuskie Island is undergoing a significant demographic transformation while maintaining high economic standards. This transition from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse community with a growing Hispanic population represents a microcosm of changing demographics in many parts of the United States. The community's ability to maintain high median incomes during this transition will be an interesting point of study for understanding the interplay between diversity and economic prosperity in small, affluent communities.
