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Demographic and Economic Trends in Underwood Hills: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Underwood Hills, a neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, exhibits a "White Majority" demographic composition with 60% white population as of 2022. The area has experienced economic growth, with median income increasing from $77,293 in 2013 to $103,461 in 2022. Underwood Hills is known for its mix of industrial history and modern residential development, featuring the Atlanta Waterworks as a landmark and experiencing recent gentrification.
Over the past decade, Underwood Hills has maintained its status as a "White Majority" neighborhood, with fluctuations. In 2013, it started with a 58% white population, briefly entering a "Moderate Diversity" category in 2014-2015 when the white population decreased to 54%. The neighborhood then returned to "White Majority" status, peaking at 64% white in 2020-2021, before decreasing to 60% in 2022.
The Black population has shown variation, ranging from 18% in 2013 to a peak of 30% in 2019. The Hispanic population has decreased from 12% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The neighborhood has maintained a moderate level of diversity throughout the decade, with at least three racial groups consistently representing over 5% of the population.
The median income in Underwood Hills has shown an upward trend, increasing by about 34% from 2013 to 2022. This economic growth correlates with the strengthening of the white majority and the decrease in Hispanic population. The most dramatic income increase occurred between 2019 and 2021, with median income increasing from $82,808 to $118,229, a 43% increase in two years. This period coincides with the highest percentage of white residents (64%) and the lowest percentage of Hispanic residents (6%).
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 3,812 in 2013 to 5,032 in 2022, a 32% increase. This growth, combined with rising incomes and demographic shifts, suggests ongoing neighborhood development and possibly increasing property values.
The trends in Underwood Hills reflect patterns of gentrification seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in median income and white population percentage, coupled with a decrease in minority populations, particularly Hispanic residents, is characteristic of neighborhoods undergoing rapid economic development and demographic change.
The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2021 (adjusted for inflation), Underwood Hills saw a more substantial increase of over 50% in the same period.
The maintenance of a white majority in Underwood Hills contrasts with overall trends in Atlanta, which is known for its significant Black population and increasing diversity. This suggests that Underwood Hills may be experiencing more intense gentrification pressures compared to other parts of the city.
Underwood Hills has evolved from a moderately diverse neighborhood to a more affluent, predominantly white area over the past decade. While maintaining some level of diversity, the economic and demographic shifts indicate a trend towards gentrification, potentially raising concerns about affordability and displacement of long-term residents, particularly from minority communities.
