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Demographic Transition in Suffern: From Low to Moderate Diversity with White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Suffern, a village in New York, currently represents a Moderate Diversity community with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 58% of the total, with significant representation from Hispanic (18%) and Black (14%) communities. The village has a median income of $89,251, indicating a fairly affluent suburban setting. Suffern is known for its historic downtown area and proximity to the Ramapo Mountains.
Over the past decade, Suffern has transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the community was characterized by a strong White Majority (72%), with minimal representation from other groups. By 2022, the white population had decreased to 58%, while Hispanic and Black populations increased significantly. This shift can be categorized as a Transitional Community, with consistent increases in minority populations, particularly Black and Hispanic groups. The Asian population has also shown modest growth, contributing to the overall diversification.
The median income in Suffern has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $85,823 in 2013 to $89,251 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. There was a spike to $100,694 in 2021, possibly due to pandemic-related factors or changes in the local job market. The increasing diversity correlates with a generally rising median income, suggesting that the influx of new residents may be bringing economic benefits to the community. This could indicate that Suffern is attracting skilled professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to its economic growth.
Population growth has been modest but steady, increasing from 10,892 in 2013 to 11,459 in 2022. This gradual growth, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, points to a community that is evolving while maintaining its economic stability.
The demographic shifts observed in Suffern align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past decade. The median household income in Suffern ($89,251 in 2022) is higher than the national median ($70,784 in 2021), indicating that it remains an affluent community despite its demographic changes. This suggests that Suffern may be experiencing "suburban diversification" while maintaining its economic appeal, a pattern seen in other desirable suburban areas across the country.
The gradual nature of these changes, occurring over a decade, suggests a relatively stable transition rather than rapid gentrification or displacement. This gradual shift may have allowed for a more organic integration of new residents into the community fabric. Suffern represents a microcosm of broader national trends towards suburban diversification, coupled with economic resilience. The village's evolution from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, while maintaining high median incomes, suggests a community that is successfully navigating demographic changes while preserving its economic strengths. This transition may present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and local governance in the coming years.
