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Demographic Analysis of the Rockaways: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with Predominant White Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Rockaways neighborhood in Queens, New York, currently exhibits a "Low Diversity" profile with a predominantly white population (92% in 2022). The area is characterized by high median incomes, reaching $120,092 in 2022, significantly above the national average. The Rockaways is known for its beachfront location and has been a popular summer destination, though it has faced challenges from natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Over the past decade, the Rockaways has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community, with the white population consistently comprising over 75% of residents. However, there have been subtle shifts towards increased diversity. From 2013 to 2020, there was a steady increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 1% to 9%. The "two or more races" category showed growth from 0% in 2017 to 2% in 2022. The white population decreased slightly from 98% in 2013 to 92% in 2022, suggesting a slow but consistent trend towards diversification.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic trends. The median income increased from $104,772 in 2013 to $120,092 in 2022, a 14.6% increase. The population declined from 5,613 in 2013 to a low of 4,592 in 2018, but has since rebounded to 5,174 in 2022. The highest median income ($128,153 in 2021) coincided with a slight dip in the white population percentage.
The Rockaways' demographic and economic trends differ from broader New York City patterns. While New York City is known for its high diversity, the Rockaways maintains a much more homogeneous population. The median income in the Rockaways is significantly higher than the New York City median (which was around $67,046 in 2020). The population rebound since 2018 may reflect the community's resilience and recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy.
In conclusion, while the Rockaways remains categorized as a "Low Diversity" area, subtle shifts towards increased diversity are evident. These changes, coupled with rising incomes and population recovery, suggest a slowly evolving community profile. The neighborhood's unique coastal location and high income levels set it apart from many other NYC neighborhoods, making it an interesting case study in gradual demographic change within a relatively homogeneous, affluent enclave.
