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Demographic Analysis of Rancho Estates: A White Majority Neighborhood in Long Beach
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Rancho Estates, a neighborhood in Long Beach, California, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 68% of residents, with Hispanic (17%) and Asian (10%) populations representing significant minorities. The neighborhood exhibits high affluence, with a median income of $168,284 in 2022, which is considerably above the national average. Rancho Estates is notable for its mid-century modern architecture, featuring numerous homes designed by architect Cliff May in the 1950s.
Over the past decade, Rancho Estates has maintained its White Majority status, albeit with notable fluctuations. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with whites comprising 69% of the population. By 2017, the community transitioned to Moderate Diversity, with the white population decreasing to 59% and increases in Asian, Black, and multiracial populations. This trend towards greater diversity continued until 2021, but 2022 saw a slight reversal, with the white population increasing to 68% while maintaining moderate diversity.
The Hispanic population, which was the second-largest group in 2013 at 21%, has experienced a gradual decline to 17% by 2022. In contrast, the Asian population has grown from 6% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, indicating a Transitional Community in terms of minority group representation.
The demographic shifts in Rancho Estates have coincided with a significant increase in median income. The median income rose from $99,868 in 2013 to $168,284 in 2022, representing a 68% increase over nine years. This substantial income growth suggests that the neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to high-income earners, potentially influencing its demographic composition. As the median income rose, the population slightly declined from 2,134 in 2013 to 1,753 in 2022, possibly indicating a trend towards smaller, wealthier households.
The trends observed in Rancho Estates reflect broader patterns seen in many affluent suburban areas across the United States. The increasing diversity, particularly the growth in Asian population, aligns with national trends of Asian Americans becoming the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S. However, the maintenance of a White Majority status, even as diversity increases, may be influenced by the neighborhood's high property values and historical character.
The substantial income growth in Rancho Estates outpaces national averages, reflecting the broader trend of income inequality and concentration of wealth in certain neighborhoods. This economic trajectory, combined with the area's architectural significance, likely contributes to its continued attractiveness to high-income residents and its ability to maintain a distinct demographic profile.
Rancho Estates presents a complex picture of gradual diversification within the context of increasing affluence, maintaining its character as a predominantly white, high-income enclave while slowly incorporating greater racial and ethnic diversity. This balance between change and stability will likely continue to shape the neighborhood's identity and socio-economic landscape in the future.
