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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Woodtick Road, Waterbury: From White Majority to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Woodtick Road in Waterbury, Connecticut, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022, transitioning from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority neighborhood with a Hispanic Plurality. As of 2022, the area is characterized by moderate diversity, with Hispanics comprising 53% of the population and Whites 36%. The neighborhood has experienced substantial demographic shifts over the past decade. Economically, the area has seen fluctuations in median income, with the most recent data showing a median income of $34,105 in 2022, lower than in previous years.
The demographic shift in Woodtick Road occurred in three distinct phases. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood maintained a White Majority, with the white population consistently above 50%. The period from 2017 to 2019 marked a significant transition, as the white population decreased while Hispanic and Black populations grew. By 2019, no single group held a majority, indicating a shift towards a Majority-Minority community. From 2020 to 2022, the Hispanic population became the largest group, growing from 42% in 2020 to 53% in 2022, establishing a Hispanic Plurality.
The median income in Woodtick Road has shown notable fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, it remained relatively stable around $50,000-$52,000. In 2018-2019, there was a sharp decline to about $38,000-$39,000. A recovery occurred in 2020-2021, with median income rising to $51,000-$54,000. However, 2022 saw another significant drop to $34,105. These economic shifts appear to correlate with the demographic changes observed in the neighborhood.
The economic trends in Woodtick Road can be linked to the demographic shifts. The initial income stability coincided with the White Majority period. The first income decline in 2018-2019 aligned with the transition to a more diverse community. The brief recovery in 2020-2021 occurred as the Hispanic population became more dominant. The recent sharp decline in 2022 coincides with the solidification of the Hispanic Plurality.
The demographic shift in Woodtick Road reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the rapid transition from a White Majority to a Hispanic Plurality over just a decade is more pronounced than typical national averages. The economic volatility, particularly the recent sharp decline in median income, may indicate challenges in economic integration or potential disparities faced by the growing Hispanic population.
The population of Woodtick Road grew from 1,634 in 2010 to 2,070 in 2022, suggesting that the neighborhood is attracting new residents. This growth, coupled with demographic shifts, indicates that Woodtick Road is a dynamic, evolving community that may be experiencing both challenges and opportunities associated with rapid demographic change.
Woodtick Road exemplifies a Transitional Community that has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade. These shifts present both opportunities for increased diversity and challenges in maintaining economic stability, which will likely continue to shape the neighborhood's character and development in the coming years.
