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Demographic Analysis of Breckingridge: A White Majority Neighborhood with Evolving Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Breckingridge, a neighborhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is characterized as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity. The white population constitutes 77% of residents, with Black (14%) and Asian (5%) minorities as of 2022. The neighborhood's median income of $63,661 in 2022 indicates a middle-class suburban area. Breckingridge's proximity to Wake Forest University likely influences its demographic composition and economic status.
Over the past decade, Breckingridge has maintained its "White Majority" status, with fluctuations in diversity. The neighborhood began as a "Low Diversity" area in 2013 with an 80% white population. It briefly transitioned towards "Moderate Diversity" in 2015, with the white population decreasing to 65% and the Asian population peaking at 17%. However, it subsequently reverted to a more homogeneous composition.
The Asian population has shown significant variability, ranging from 17% (2015) to 4% (2016). The Black population has gradually increased from 3% in 2013 to 14% in 2022, indicating a trend towards greater racial diversity. Despite these changes, the neighborhood has consistently remained a "White Majority" area throughout the decade.
The median income in Breckingridge has fluctuated considerably over the years, showing a general upward trend until 2019, followed by a sharp decline in 2020, and then a recovery. The highest median income was recorded in 2015 at $83,122, coinciding with the period of greatest racial diversity. This suggests a possible correlation between increased diversity and economic prosperity.
The sharp decline in median income to $43,919 in 2020 likely reflects the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This economic downturn did not significantly alter the racial composition of the neighborhood, indicating a level of community stability despite financial challenges.
Population figures have remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 1,390 in 2013 to 1,729 in 2022. This modest growth, coupled with income fluctuations, suggests that while the neighborhood has experienced economic changes, it has maintained its appeal as a residential area.
The demographic trends in Breckingridge reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The neighborhood's consistently high white majority distinguishes it from many urban areas that have experienced more rapid diversification. The economic resilience of the community, particularly its quick recovery from the 2020 downturn, may be attributed to its proximity to Wake Forest University, which could provide a stabilizing economic influence.
The fluctuations in the Asian population could be linked to changes in international student or faculty populations at the nearby university, reflecting the interconnectedness of local demographics with educational institutions.
Breckingridge has maintained its status as a "White Majority" community but has shown signs of increasing diversity, particularly in its Black population. The economic trends suggest a generally prosperous area with resilience to economic shocks. These changes indicate that Breckingridge is slowly evolving towards greater diversity, aligning with broader national trends in suburban demographics.
