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Demographic Analysis of Buena Vista: A Predominantly White Neighborhood in Winston-Salem
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Buena Vista, a neighborhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood is characterized by a white majority (93%), with minimal representation from other racial groups. Economically, Buena Vista has a median income of $146,779 in 2022, indicating its status as an affluent area within Winston-Salem. The neighborhood is known for its historic charm, tree-lined streets, and large, well-maintained homes, reflecting its position as one of the city's most prestigious areas.
Over the past decade, Buena Vista has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood. The white population has remained the dominant racial group, consistently comprising over 90% of the total population from 2013 to 2022. There have been subtle shifts within this category. The percentage of white residents decreased from 97% in 2013 to 93% in 2022. The black population increased from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022, with a notable spike to 5% in 2020. The Asian population doubled from 1% to 2% between 2013 and 2022. These changes suggest a slow trend towards increased diversity, though not significant enough to shift the neighborhood out of the "Low Diversity" category.
The economic profile of Buena Vista has experienced fluctuations over the past decade. Median income rose from $130,168 in 2013 to a peak of $167,776 in 2018, an increase of nearly 29%. After 2018, there was a decline in median income, dropping to $143,927 in 2021 before slightly recovering to $146,779 in 2022. Despite the recent decline, the 2022 median income remains about 13% higher than it was in 2013, indicating overall economic growth.
The population of Buena Vista has remained relatively stable, with a slight overall increase from 3,290 in 2013 to 3,521 in 2022. This stability, combined with the high and generally increasing median income, suggests that Buena Vista has maintained its status as an affluent, desirable neighborhood throughout the decade.
When compared to national trends, Buena Vista's demographic composition is unusually homogeneous. While many urban areas across the United States have been experiencing increasing diversity, Buena Vista has maintained its predominantly white population. This stability in racial composition is atypical for a city of Winston-Salem's size, considering broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas.
Economically, Buena Vista's median income far exceeds the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This places Buena Vista residents in a significantly higher income bracket than the average American household, suggesting a concentration of high-earning professionals or established families in the area.
The neighborhood's resistance to significant demographic change, coupled with its high economic status, may indicate a combination of factors such as historical housing patterns, zoning regulations, or social and economic barriers to entry for diverse populations. This scenario presents a case study in how some affluent enclaves within diversifying cities maintain their traditional demographic makeup over time.
