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Demographic Analysis of Casablanca, Riverside: A Hispanic Majority Neighborhood with Significant Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Casablanca, a neighborhood in Riverside, California, exhibits characteristics of a Hispanic Majority community with Low Diversity. As of 2022, the Hispanic population constitutes 79% of the area, while other racial groups have minimal representation. The neighborhood has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade, with median income rising from $44,420 in 2013 to $69,290 in 2022. Casablanca shares its name with the famous Moroccan city, though its demographic makeup is distinctly different from its namesake.
Over the past decade, Casablanca has consistently maintained its status as a Hispanic Majority community. The Hispanic population has grown from 72% in 2013 to 79% in 2022, further solidifying this categorization. This trend suggests a strengthening of the Hispanic community's presence and influence in the neighborhood. The neighborhood has remained in the Low Diversity category throughout the period, with subtle shifts in other racial groups. The White population has seen a slight decline from 17% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. The Black population has fluctuated, dropping from 8% in 2013 to 2% in 2017-2020, before rising slightly to 5% in 2022. The Asian population has remained relatively stable at around 1-2% throughout the decade.
The economic trajectory of Casablanca has been notably positive over the past decade. The median income has increased by approximately 56% from 2013 to 2022, rising from $44,420 to $69,290. This substantial growth in median income suggests improving economic conditions for residents, potentially linked to factors such as increased job opportunities, higher-paying positions, or overall economic development in the area. The population of Casablanca has also grown during this period, from 4,191 in 2013 to 4,118 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. The peak population was recorded in 2019 at 4,764. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes, indicates that the neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to Hispanic residents, possibly due to improved economic prospects or cultural factors.
The demographic trends in Casablanca align with broader patterns observed in many parts of California and the Southwestern United States, where Hispanic populations have been growing steadily. The level of Hispanic concentration in Casablanca (79%) is notably higher than the overall Hispanic population in California, which was around 39% as of 2022. The economic growth in Casablanca is particularly impressive when compared to national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 13% from 2013 to 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Casablanca's 56% growth significantly outpaces this national average. This suggests that the neighborhood has experienced more rapid economic development than many other areas in the country.
Casablanca presents a case of a Hispanic Majority, Low Diversity neighborhood that has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. The strengthening of the Hispanic majority, coupled with rising incomes and a growing population, indicates a community that is becoming increasingly prosperous while maintaining its distinct cultural identity. These trends may have implications for local businesses, cultural institutions, and community services, which may need to adapt to serve an increasingly affluent and predominantly Hispanic population.
