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Demographic and Economic Trends in Barelas: A Hispanic Majority Neighborhood in Albuquerque
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Barelas, a neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, exhibits a Hispanic Majority demographic profile with 71% of the population identifying as Hispanic in 2022. This racial composition has remained consistent over the past decade. The neighborhood faces economic challenges, with a median income of $33,563 in 2022, which is below the national average. Barelas is one of Albuquerque's oldest settlements, known for its cultural heritage and proximity to the Barelas Bridge over the Rio Grande.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Barelas has maintained its status as a Hispanic Majority community. The Hispanic population has remained stable, ranging between 68% and 76%. The White population, the second-largest group, has shown a slight increase from 20% in 2013 to 21% in 2022, indicating a minor trend towards increased diversity. The neighborhood has not transitioned between diversity categories, maintaining its Hispanic Majority status.
The median income in Barelas has fluctuated over the decade. It peaked at $39,871 in 2013 and reached its lowest point at $27,670 in 2016. The 2022 data shows a median income of $33,563, indicating a modest recovery but still below the 2013 peak. The periods of lower median income (2015-2017) coincided with slightly higher percentages of Hispanic residents (73-74%). As the Hispanic percentage marginally decreased and stabilized around 71-72% in recent years, there was a slight uptick in median income.
The population has shown moderate fluctuations, from a low of 4,069 in 2016 to a high of 4,995 in 2022. The recent population growth, coinciding with a slight increase in median income, might indicate improving economic conditions or increased attractiveness of the neighborhood.
Barelas' demographic stability contrasts with national trends, where many urban neighborhoods have experienced significant demographic shifts due to gentrification or changing migration patterns. The persistent Hispanic Majority in Barelas suggests strong cultural roots and community resilience.
Economically, Barelas' median income remains below both the New Mexico state median ($54,020 in 2021) and the national median ($69,717 in 2021). This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by this historic neighborhood, possibly reflecting broader issues of urban inequality and the economic pressures faced by predominantly minority communities.
The recent population growth in Barelas, despite economic challenges, could indicate the neighborhood's increasing appeal, possibly due to its cultural richness, historical significance, or potentially more affordable housing compared to other parts of Albuquerque. This growth, if sustained, might present opportunities for community development and economic revitalization, while also raising concerns about potential future gentrification and the preservation of the neighborhood's unique cultural character.
