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Demographic and Racial Composition Trends in Old West Durham, North Carolina
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Old West Durham, a neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, exhibits moderate diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood has a white majority of 57%, with significant representation from other racial groups. The median income in 2022 was $36,460, indicating a working to middle-class community. Old West Durham is characterized by its historic charm, featuring early 20th-century bungalows and a rich industrial heritage connected to the tobacco industry.
Over the past decade, Old West Durham has experienced notable changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a white majority of 54%. This majority status persisted throughout the decade, albeit with fluctuations. From 2013 to 2019, there was a trend towards less diversity, with the white population increasing to 66% by 2019. However, this trend reversed in recent years, with the white population decreasing to 57% by 2022, returning the neighborhood to a moderate diversity status.
The black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 12% and 17% over the decade. The Hispanic population has shown a gradual decline from 16% in 2013 to 11% in 2022. There has been an increase in the Asian population from 7% to 12% between 2019 and 2022, and in those identifying as two or more races from 1% to 5% between 2013 and 2022. These shifts suggest that Old West Durham is becoming a transitional community, moving towards increased diversity after a period of decreased diversity in the mid-2010s.
The median income in Old West Durham has fluctuated significantly over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, there was a substantial increase from $33,012 to $43,917, suggesting economic growth and potential gentrification. However, this trend reversed sharply from 2018 to 2020, with median income dropping to $34,002 in 2020. There has been a slight recovery since then, with median income reaching $36,460 in 2022, but it remains below the peak levels of the mid-2010s. This economic volatility coincides with the demographic shifts, suggesting a complex interplay between economic factors and racial composition.
The population has steadily increased from 2,650 in 2013 to 3,299 in 2022, indicating sustained growth and attractiveness of the neighborhood despite economic fluctuations.
The demographic shifts in Old West Durham reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The initial increase in the white population percentage from 2013 to 2019 could be indicative of gentrification processes common in many historically diverse urban neighborhoods. The subsequent reversal towards increased diversity aligns with national trends of growing multiracial populations and increased Asian representation in many communities.
The economic volatility, particularly the sharp decline in median income from 2018 to 2020, likely reflects the national economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the slower recovery compared to national averages might suggest local factors at play, such as changes in the local job market or housing affordability issues.
Old West Durham represents a dynamic urban neighborhood experiencing significant demographic and economic changes. Its transition towards increased diversity, coupled with economic fluctuations, presents both challenges and opportunities for community cohesion and development. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader urban trends while maintaining its unique historical character.
