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Demographic Analysis of Rolando, San Diego: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Rolando, a neighborhood in San Diego, California, currently exhibits Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 48% of the community, followed by Hispanic (29%) and Asian (11%) residents. The neighborhood's median income of $59,064 in 2022 reflects a middle-class urban area. Rolando is known for its mid-century modern architecture, particularly its unique "Rolando Domes" houses, which add a distinctive character to this diverse community.
Over the past decade, Rolando has undergone a subtle but noticeable transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having a White Majority, with 49% of the population identifying as white. However, by 2022, this shifted to a White Plurality (48%), just below the majority threshold. This change suggests a gradual increase in diversity, though not dramatic enough to classify as a Transitional Community.
The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 25% and 31% throughout the decade. The Asian population has seen a modest increase from 10% in 2013 to 11% in 2022, with a peak of 15% in 2020. The Black population has shown some variability, ranging from 6% to 11% over the years. These shifts indicate a trend towards increased diversity, though at a measured pace. The community has maintained its Moderate Diversity classification throughout the period, with three racial groups (White, Hispanic, and Asian) consistently having significant representation.
The median income in Rolando has shown fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, there was a slight overall increase from $58,692 to $59,064. However, this period saw notable variations, with a peak of $67,075 in 2021 and a low of $53,736 in 2018. The periods of higher diversity do not consistently correlate with higher median incomes. This suggests that demographic shifts in Rolando may be influenced more by factors like housing affordability or cultural preferences rather than purely economic considerations.
The population of Rolando has grown from 9,733 in 2013 to 10,396 in 2022, indicating a steady attraction to the neighborhood despite income fluctuations. This growth, coupled with the maintenance of moderate diversity, suggests a neighborhood that remains appealing to various demographic groups.
Rolando's demographic evolution reflects broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where increasing diversity is becoming the norm. However, the pace of change in Rolando appears more gradual compared to some rapidly diversifying urban neighborhoods. The median income in Rolando ($59,064 in 2022) is lower than the overall median household income for San Diego ($89,457 in 2021, according to U.S. Census data), suggesting that Rolando may offer more affordable housing options within the broader San Diego area. This could be a factor in attracting a diverse population and contributing to the gradual demographic shifts observed.
Rolando presents a picture of steady, incremental diversification while maintaining a stable community character. The neighborhood's ability to attract a growing population while preserving its moderate diversity suggests a balance between change and continuity, potentially influenced by its unique architectural character and relative affordability within San Diego.
