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Demographic Analysis of Balfour: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with Predominant White Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Balfour, a neighborhood in North Carolina, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area based on its demographic profile. As of 2022, the white population comprises 81% of the community, exceeding the 75% threshold for this classification. Balfour has a population of 6,163 and a median income of $53,008, representing a predominantly white, middle-income suburban area. The neighborhood's proximity to the DuPont State Recreational Forest may influence its residential appeal and demographic composition.
Over the past decade, Balfour has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The white population percentage has fluctuated between 71% and 84%, remaining the dominant group. The Hispanic population increased from 11% in 2013 to 16% in 2015, then declined to 10% by 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable between 5% and 8% throughout the decade. These changes were not significant enough to alter Balfour's diversity category.
The median income in Balfour has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2016, there was a declining trend from $46,105 to $38,896. Between 2016 and 2021, a strong recovery and growth phase occurred, peaking at $60,380 in 2021. From 2021 to 2022, there was a notable decrease to $53,008. These economic fluctuations appear to correlate loosely with demographic shifts. The period of income decline coincided with an increase in the Hispanic population and a slight decrease in the white population. Conversely, the income recovery and growth phase aligned with a stabilization and slight increase in the white population percentage.
Population figures show a general declining trend from 7,640 in 2013 to 6,163 in 2022, with some fluctuations. This could suggest that economic pressures may have influenced out-migration, potentially affecting the racial composition slightly.
Balfour's demographic profile and trends differ from national patterns. The United States as a whole has been moving towards greater diversity, with many areas transitioning to "Majority-Minority" or "High Diversity" status. Balfour, in contrast, has maintained its "Low Diversity" categorization, suggesting it may be less affected by broader national demographic shifts.
The economic volatility experienced in Balfour, particularly the strong growth from 2016 to 2021 followed by a decline, mirrors some national trends related to the economic recovery post-2008 recession and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the specific patterns and timing may be influenced by local factors such as the area's reliance on particular industries or its suburban character.
In conclusion, while Balfour has experienced some demographic and economic fluctuations over the past decade, it has largely maintained its character as a predominantly white, middle-income community. The interplay between its demographic stability and economic volatility presents a case study in how local factors can influence a community's resistance to or acceptance of broader national trends in diversity and economic development.
