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Demographic Analysis of Old Bend: Low Diversity and White Majority Persistence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Old Bend, a neighborhood in Bend, Oregon, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity and a strong white majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,818 and a median income of $103,772. Old Bend is known for its historic charm, featuring early 20th-century craftsman-style homes and a downtown area popular among tourists and new residents.
Over the past decade, Old Bend has maintained its status as a low diversity area with a white majority. In 2013, the white population comprised 87% of the neighborhood, with Hispanic residents at 7% and Two or More Races at 2%. By 2022, the white population remained at 87%, while residents identifying as Two or More Races increased to 8% and the Hispanic population decreased to 4%. This subtle shift suggests the neighborhood may be in the early stages of becoming a transitional community, albeit at a slow pace.
The economic landscape of Old Bend has undergone significant changes over the past decade. The median income increased from $38,858 in 2013 to $103,772 in 2022, representing a 167% increase. The population grew from 1,293 in 2013 to 1,818 in 2022, a 41% increase. These economic trends correlate with the slight increase in diversity. The substantial rise in median income may have attracted a more diverse, affluent population, contributing to the increase in residents identifying as Two or More Races. The population growth could be attributed to the neighborhood's increasing desirability, potentially drawing in a wider range of residents.
Old Bend's demographic shifts align with broader national trends of increasing diversity, albeit at a much slower pace. The increase in median income outpaces national averages and may reflect a broader trend of gentrification in historic urban neighborhoods across the United States. The neighborhood's resistance to significant demographic change, despite economic growth, could be indicative of several factors. High property values may limit access to a diverse range of potential residents. A strong sense of community among long-term residents may slow the pace of change. The neighborhood's historic character may attract a specific demographic interested in preserving its traditional aesthetic.
While Old Bend remains a low diversity, white majority area, subtle shifts in its racial composition and significant economic growth suggest the potential for more substantial demographic changes in the future. The neighborhood's evolution will likely continue to be influenced by its unique historic character, economic opportunities, and the broader demographic trends affecting Bend and Oregon as a whole.
