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Demographic Analysis of Wales Garden: A Low Diversity Neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wales Garden, a neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Low Diversity" based on established criteria. As of 2022, the white population comprises 79% of the neighborhood, indicating a clear racial majority. The area's median income in 2022 was $24,888, reflecting significant economic fluctuations over the past decade. Wales Garden is characterized by its historic charm, featuring early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets.
Over the past decade, Wales Garden has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood, with the white population remaining the dominant racial group. From 2013 to 2018, there was a slight trend towards increased diversity, with the white population decreasing from 83% to 79% and the Asian population growing from 4% to 11%. Post-2018, a minor reversal occurred, with the white population stabilizing around 75-79% and the Black population increasing slightly from 4% to 10-12% between 2018 and 2021. Despite these minor fluctuations, the neighborhood has consistently remained in the "Low Diversity" classification throughout the decade.
The economic landscape of Wales Garden has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, there was a significant upward trend in median income, rising from $30,340 to $47,603. However, post-2017, there was a sharp decline, with median income dropping to $24,888 by 2022, a nearly 48% decrease from its peak. This economic downturn coincides with a slight increase in racial diversity, particularly the growth in the Black population percentage from 2018 onwards.
The persistent "Low Diversity" status of Wales Garden contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. The sharp decline in median income since 2017 is notable and may reflect broader economic challenges in the region or specific local factors affecting this neighborhood. The population of Wales Garden has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 2,700 and 3,500 residents, suggesting that major demographic changes are more likely due to shifts within the existing population rather than significant in-migration or out-migration.
Wales Garden has maintained its status as a predominantly white, low-diversity neighborhood over the past decade. It has experienced subtle demographic shifts and significant economic volatility. The recent decline in median income, coupled with a slight increase in racial diversity, may indicate emerging challenges and changes in the neighborhood's socio-economic fabric. These trends warrant further investigation into local economic factors and potential impacts on community dynamics and real estate values in this historically notable area of Columbia.
