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Demographic Analysis of Southern Pines: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Southern Pines, a neighborhood in Bloomington, Indiana, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,662 and a median income of $59,028. Southern Pines has experienced significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade, reflecting broader trends in university towns across the Midwest.
From 2013 to 2022, Southern Pines has maintained its status as a White Majority community, with the white population ranging from 73% to 84%. The neighborhood has shown signs of increasing diversity in recent years. The percentage of Black residents increased from 4% in 2019 to 15% in 2022. The Asian population peaked at 9% in 2015 but has since decreased to 4% in 2022. The Hispanic population has grown from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The Native American population showed a significant spike to 8% in 2020.
The neighborhood has experienced substantial economic growth over the past decade. Median income has increased from $35,666 in 2013 to $59,028 in 2022, representing a 65% increase over nine years. There was a notable peak in median income in 2021 at $71,699, followed by a decrease in 2022. The population grew steadily from 1,228 in 2010 to 1,867 in 2019, but experienced a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, rebounding to 1,662 in 2022.
Southern Pines' demographic and economic trends align with patterns seen in many university towns. The gradual increase in diversity is consistent with national trends in higher education, where universities are actively working to increase diversity in their student and faculty populations. The significant increase in median income could be attributed to an influx of higher-paying jobs in the university or related sectors, or gentrification of the neighborhood. The population decline in 2020-2021 likely reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university towns, with many students potentially returning to their hometowns during remote learning periods. The rebound in population and adjustment in median income in 2022 suggests a return to normalcy post-pandemic, albeit with some economic recalibration.
Southern Pines presents a dynamic picture of a neighborhood in transition. While maintaining its White Majority status, it shows signs of increasing diversity, particularly in its Black and Hispanic populations. The economic trajectory has been largely positive, with significant income growth over the decade. These changes likely reflect broader trends in university towns, including efforts to increase diversity, economic development tied to educational institutions, and the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe whether it transitions towards a more diverse demographic profile and how this might impact its economic landscape.
