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Demographic Analysis of Beacon Hill: A Study of Racial Composition and Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Beacon Hill in Seattle, Washington, is classified as a Majority-Minority neighborhood with High Diversity as of 2022. The Asian population constitutes a plurality at 49%, followed by the White population at 21%. Significant Black and Hispanic populations are also present. The median income in 2022 was $80,879, indicating a relatively affluent community. Beacon Hill is recognized for its views of downtown Seattle and its diverse community with a strong Asian-American influence.
Over the past decade, Beacon Hill has maintained its Majority-Minority status, but has undergone notable shifts. From 2013 to 2015, the neighborhood had an Asian Majority, with the Asian population exceeding 50%. After 2015, a transition towards High Diversity occurred, with the Asian population falling below 50% and other racial groups gaining representation. The Hispanic population experienced the most significant growth, increasing from 6% in 2013 to 11% in 2022. The Black population declined slightly from 18% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. The White population remained relatively stable, ranging between 20-23% throughout the decade.
The median income in Beacon Hill has shown an overall upward trend with fluctuations. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $78,167 to $80,879, representing a 3.5% growth. A notable increase occurred in 2021, with median income reaching $93,099, before returning to previous levels in 2022. The population has remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 12,629 in 2013 to 12,329 in 2022.
Beacon Hill's demographic changes align with broader trends observed in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in the Hispanic population reflects national trends of growing Hispanic communities in urban centers. The maintenance of a strong Asian plurality is characteristic of West Coast cities, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. The slight decline in the Black population may indicate patterns of gentrification seen in many U.S. cities, where rising costs displace historically Black communities. The stable White population percentage suggests a balance between new residents moving in and long-term residents remaining.
The neighborhood's ability to maintain high diversity while experiencing economic growth is notable and may indicate intentional community efforts or policy measures to preserve affordability and cultural heritage. However, the recent fluctuation in median income between 2021 and 2022 could signal economic volatility that may impact the neighborhood's demographic stability in the future.
Beacon Hill exemplifies a dynamic, diverse urban neighborhood navigating the complex interplay of demographic shifts and economic changes. Its evolution over the past decade reflects both local characteristics and broader national trends in urban development and migration patterns.
