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Demographic Analysis of Bret Harte Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Bret Harte neighborhood in San Rafael, California, is a predominantly White Majority community with a median income of $153,459 as of 2022. The neighborhood exhibits Low Diversity, with white residents comprising 73% of the population. Bret Harte is situated near the San Francisco Bay and China Camp State Park.
Over the past decade, Bret Harte has maintained its status as a White Majority community. The percentage of white residents has remained between 71% and 74% from 2013 to 2022. There have been minor increases in diversity, with the Asian population growing from 4% in 2013 to 7% in 2022. The Hispanic population has fluctuated, reaching 20% in 2021 before decreasing to 16% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 3% to 5% between 2013 and 2019, then decreased to 2% by 2022.
The median income in Bret Harte has increased from $127,299 in 2013 to $153,459 in 2022, a rise of 20.5%. A significant increase occurred between 2016 and 2018, with median income rising from $122,845 to $161,966. The population has slightly decreased from 2,387 in 2013 to 2,273 in 2022.
The trends in Bret Harte are consistent with patterns observed in affluent suburban areas of California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. The persistence of a White Majority in California is notable and may reflect historical patterns of housing and wealth distribution.
The income growth in Bret Harte exceeds the national average, which is characteristic of many Bay Area communities benefiting from the region's technology-driven economic growth. The rapid income increase, combined with a stable population, suggests potential gentrification or increasing exclusivity due to rising housing costs.
The subtle increases in Asian and multiracial populations, while the neighborhood remains predominantly white, reflect broader demographic shifts across California. The decrease in the Hispanic population from 2021 to 2022 contrasts with statewide trends of growing Hispanic populations in many areas.
Bret Harte remains a White Majority, Low Diversity community, with indications of gradual demographic shifts. The neighborhood's increasing affluence and desirable location may be influencing these demographic patterns, potentially limiting access for a diverse range of residents. The future demographic profile of Bret Harte will depend on how it responds to ongoing changes in the Bay Area.
