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Demographic Analysis of Beaufort, South Carolina: White Majority with Evolving Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Beaufort, South Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "White Majority" with a significant Black minority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 66% of the city's residents, while the Black population represents 20%. The city's median income is $62,902 in 2022. Beaufort has a population of 27,513 spread over 24.47 square miles.
Over the past decade, Beaufort has maintained its status as a "White Majority" city, but with changes in its racial composition. The white population has increased from 64% in 2013 to 66% in 2022, while the Black population has decreased from 25% to 20% during the same period. This shift suggests a trend towards a more pronounced "White Majority" status.
The Hispanic population has decreased slightly from 9% to 7%. The "Two or More Races" category has increased from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, indicating a trend towards greater racial mixing and potentially signaling a "Transitional Community" in terms of increasing diversity.
The median income in Beaufort has increased from $59,520 in 2013 to $62,902 in 2022, representing a 5.7% growth over the decade. This income growth has occurred alongside demographic shifts, potentially indicating a correlation between the increasing white majority and rising economic prosperity.
The city's population has grown from 24,399 in 2013 to 27,513 in 2022, a 12.8% increase. This population growth, combined with the income increase, suggests an overall positive economic trajectory for the city.
The trends observed in Beaufort align with patterns seen in many small to medium-sized American cities. The slight increase in the white population percentage, coupled with economic growth, may reflect patterns of gentrification or suburban expansion common in similar-sized urban areas across the United States.
Based on the observed trends, Beaufort is likely to continue its trajectory as a "White Majority" community with increasing economic prosperity. The growing "Two or More Races" category suggests a potential shift towards a more diverse racial landscape in the future.
If current trends continue, Beaufort might transition into a "Moderate Diversity" category over the next decade. This prediction is based on the growing multiracial population and the potential for continued Hispanic presence, which could lead to a scenario where two or three racial groups have significant representation, even as the white population maintains a near-majority status.
The city's economic outlook appears positive, with continued population growth and rising median incomes likely. This economic growth may attract more diverse populations, further contributing to the potential transition towards moderate diversity.
Beaufort is experiencing a gradual demographic evolution characterized by a strengthening white majority, decreasing Black population, and growing multiracial presence, all while maintaining steady economic growth. These trends position the city for potential increased diversity in the coming years, even as it retains its predominant white demographic character.
