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Demographic Analysis of Steele Creek: Moderate Diversity with Black Plurality and Strong White Presence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Steele Creek neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, exhibited moderate diversity as of 2022, with a Black plurality of 34% and a White population of 36%. The area experienced significant population growth, increasing from 16,774 in 2010 to 33,899 in 2022. Economic development accompanied this growth, with the median income reaching $98,552 in 2022. Steele Creek's location near Lake Wylie and Charlotte Douglas International Airport contributes to its appeal for residential and commercial development.
Over the past decade, Steele Creek transitioned from a White plurality community to a more diverse neighborhood. In 2013, the area had a White plurality of 47%, with Black and Hispanic populations at 29% and 16% respectively. By 2022, the neighborhood achieved moderate diversity classification, with Black residents slightly outnumbering White residents, and an increased Asian population of 10%.
This transition reflects a transitional community trend, evidenced by the growth of the Asian population from 6% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, and an increase in residents identifying as two or more races from 1% to 6%. Concurrently, the White population share decreased from 47% to 36%, while the Black population share increased slightly from 29% to 34%.
The demographic changes in Steele Creek occurred alongside significant economic growth. The median income increased from $84,129 in 2013 to $98,552 in 2022, a 17% increase. This economic improvement coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, suggesting the area has attracted affluent residents from various racial backgrounds.
The population growth from 20,489 in 2013 to 33,899 in 2022, a 65% increase, indicates that Steele Creek has become an increasingly desirable place to live. This rapid growth, coupled with rising incomes, suggests potential gentrification or significant new development in the area, which may influence the changing racial composition.
The trends observed in Steele Creek align with broader patterns seen in many growing suburban areas of major cities across the United States. The increasing diversity, particularly the growth in Asian and multiracial populations, reflects national demographic trends. However, the substantial increase in median income surpasses national averages, suggesting that Steele Creek is experiencing more rapid economic growth than many other areas.
The neighborhood's transformation from a predominantly White area to one of moderate diversity with a slight Black plurality is noteworthy, as it differs from the historical pattern of many Southern cities where demographic changes often led to White flight and economic decline. Instead, Steele Creek appears to be successfully integrating increasing diversity with economic prosperity.
Steele Creek's evolution over the past decade demonstrates a successful transition towards greater diversity coupled with strong economic growth. This combination of factors suggests a changing community that has attracted a wide range of residents while maintaining and improving its economic standing.
