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Demographic and Racial Transitions in Omah Street Neighborhood, Durham
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Omah Street neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 3,916, with a median income of $59,942. The area's proximity to Duke University likely influences its demographic composition and economic trends.
Over the past decade, Omah Street has experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority (51%), but by 2017, it transitioned to a Moderate Diversity status with no single racial group holding a majority. By 2020, the area became a Majority-Minority community, with the Black population reaching 40% and the White population declining to 39%.
The most recent data from 2022 shows a continuation of this trend, with the Black population maintaining a plurality at 37%, while the White population stands at 43%. This shift represents a Transitional Community, moving from a predominantly White area to one of increasing diversity.
The demographic changes have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2018, there was a general upward trend in median income, peaking at $71,588 in 2018. Since 2018, median income has been more volatile, dropping to $59,299 in 2020 before rebounding slightly to $59,942 in 2022.
Population figures have remained relatively stable over the decade, with a slight overall increase from 3,612 in 2013 to 3,916 in 2022. This suggests that the demographic changes are primarily due to shifts within the existing population rather than large-scale in-migration or out-migration.
The demographic shifts observed in Omah Street align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in university towns. The increasing diversity and transition to a Majority-Minority status reflect national trends of growing racial and ethnic diversity, especially in younger populations and areas near educational institutions.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the recent volatility in median income, may be indicative of broader economic challenges faced by transitional communities. This could be related to factors such as changes in the local job market, shifts in housing costs, or the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Omah Street neighborhood exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a predominantly White area to one of increasing diversity. While this shift has been associated with periods of economic growth, recent years have shown some economic instability. Continued monitoring of these demographic and economic trends will be important for understanding their impact on the neighborhood's residents.
