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Demographic and Racial Composition Trends in Mossy Oaks Neighborhood, Beaufort, South Carolina
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Mossy Oaks, a neighborhood in Beaufort, South Carolina, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with moderate diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 4,758 and a median income of $48,680. Mossy Oaks is known for its historic charm, with many homes dating back to the antebellum period, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage.
Over the past decade, Mossy Oaks has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized as a Moderate Diversity community, with a slight White Majority (58%). By 2015, it transitioned to a Majority-Minority status, with the White population decreasing to 50% and the Black population increasing to 40%. This shift was short-lived, as the community reverted to a White Majority status by 2017, maintaining this classification through 2022. The level of diversity has fluctuated, with periods of High Diversity (2017-2018) and Moderate Diversity (2019-2022).
The Hispanic population has shown growth, particularly in recent years, increasing from 3% in 2019 to 8% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more Transitional Community. The Asian population has remained relatively stable, while the Two or More Races category has seen modest growth, further contributing to the neighborhood's evolving diversity.
The demographic shifts in Mossy Oaks have coincided with notable changes in median income. From 2013 to 2021, there was a general upward trend in median income, rising from $39,793 to $57,524, an increase of about 44.5%. This economic growth paralleled the shift back to a White Majority status and periods of increased diversity.
The years of highest diversity (2017-2018) saw a significant jump in median income, from $43,495 in 2016 to $48,459 in 2017, suggesting that increased diversity may have contributed to economic growth. There was a slight decline in median income in 2018 and 2019, coinciding with a decrease in the Black population percentage.
The most recent data shows a fluctuation in median income, dropping from $57,524 in 2021 to $48,680 in 2022, despite continued population growth. This recent economic volatility occurs alongside an increase in the Hispanic population and a slight decrease in overall diversity.
The demographic changes in Mossy Oaks reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population aligns with national patterns of Hispanic population growth in the United States.
The economic trends in Mossy Oaks, showing overall growth in median income over the decade, are generally consistent with national economic recovery and growth following the 2008 recession. The recent decline in median income from 2021 to 2022 may be indicative of broader economic challenges faced nationwide, such as inflation and economic uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The neighborhood's ability to maintain a relatively stable population while experiencing demographic shifts suggests a dynamic and resilient community. The correlation between periods of increased diversity and economic growth in Mossy Oaks could provide valuable insights for other communities seeking to foster both social and economic development.
