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Demographic Analysis of Plaza Vieja: Hispanic Plurality and Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Plaza Vieja, a neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, exhibits a "Moderate Diversity" demographic profile with a Hispanic plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 281 and a median income of $45,835. Plaza Vieja is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Albuquerque, with a history dating back to the Spanish colonial era.
Over the past decade, Plaza Vieja has maintained its status as a "Moderate Diversity" neighborhood, with some fluctuations. The Hispanic population has consistently been the largest group, around 50% throughout the period. In 2020, the neighborhood briefly transitioned to a "Hispanic Majority" with 56% of the population, but reverted to a plurality in subsequent years.
The White population has remained the second-largest group, generally comprising between 38-48% of residents. Native American representation has fluctuated, peaking at 6% in 2016-2017 before declining to 3% by 2022. The neighborhood has seen minimal representation from other racial groups, with consistently low percentages for Asian, Black, and Pacific Islander populations.
Plaza Vieja has experienced economic growth over the past decade. The median income rose from $39,193 in 2013 to $45,835 in 2022, representing a 16.9% increase. There was a substantial increase in median income to $54,016 in 2021, followed by a decrease in 2022. This upward trend in income correlates with slight shifts in the racial composition, particularly the gradual increase in the White population percentage from 2019 to 2022.
The neighborhood's population has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 412 in 2012 and declining to 281 by 2022. This population decrease, coupled with the income increase, suggests a possible gentrification trend or changing neighborhood dynamics.
The demographic trends in Plaza Vieja reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where Hispanic populations have been growing and becoming more economically integrated. The neighborhood's income growth outpaces the national average, which saw about a 10% increase in median household income from 2013 to 2022.
The persistent "Moderate Diversity" categorization of Plaza Vieja, with its Hispanic plurality and significant White population, is characteristic of many Southwestern U.S. cities. However, the neighborhood's low representation of other racial groups, particularly Black and Asian populations, contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas.
The economic growth in Plaza Vieja, coupled with its population decline, suggests a pattern of urban renewal or gentrification that is common in historic neighborhoods of many U.S. cities. This trend often leads to changing neighborhood character, potentially displacing long-term residents while attracting new, higher-income inhabitants.
Plaza Vieja represents a microcosm of demographic and economic shifts occurring in many urban areas, particularly in the Southwest. Its evolution from a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood to one of moderate diversity, coupled with significant income growth, reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity and urban economic development. However, the neighborhood's unique historical context and specific demographic makeup set it apart from national averages, highlighting the importance of local factors in shaping community dynamics.
