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Demographic and Racial Transitions in Poman Acres: A Study of Neighborhood Evolution
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Poman Acres, a neighborhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, exhibits a unique demographic profile as of 2022. It is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity". The neighborhood's population composition includes a Black plurality (43%), a substantial Hispanic population (25%), and a growing White presence (23%). Economically, Poman Acres has seen significant income growth, with the median income increasing from $27,011 in 2017 to $42,786 in 2022.
Over the past decade, Poman Acres has undergone notable demographic transitions. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "Hispanic Plurality" with 44% Hispanic population. By 2017, it had shifted to a "Black Majority" with 62% Black population. The 2022 data shows a transition to a "Majority-Minority" status with "Moderate Diversity", as no single group constitutes a majority, and three racial groups have significant representation.
The demographic shifts in Poman Acres correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2017, when the neighborhood transitioned from a Hispanic Plurality to a Black Majority, the median income remained relatively stable around $27,000-$28,000. However, as the community diversified further from 2018 onwards, there was a marked increase in median income. The median income rose from $31,691 in 2018 to $42,786 in 2022, a 35% increase over four years.
The economic growth coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, particularly the growing White population percentage (from 10% in 2017 to 23% in 2022). This could indicate a pattern of gentrification, where higher-income residents move into a historically lower-income area.
The demographic and economic changes in Poman Acres reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The shift towards greater diversity and the associated economic uplift are similar to patterns observed in rapidly changing neighborhoods in cities like Atlanta, Austin, and Seattle.
It is important to note that while the median income has increased significantly, at $42,786 in 2022, it still falls below the national median household income of approximately $70,000. This suggests that while Poman Acres is experiencing economic growth, it still faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
The neighborhood's transition to a "Majority-Minority" status aligns with national demographic trends, as the United States is projected to become a majority-minority country in the coming decades. However, the rapid nature of this change in Poman Acres, occurring over just a decade, is particularly noteworthy.
Poman Acres exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, both demographically and economically. The evolving diversity and rising incomes suggest a community in flux, potentially bringing new opportunities but also raising questions about affordability and community preservation for long-time residents. These changes warrant consideration in local planning and community development efforts to ensure inclusive growth and maintain the neighborhood's unique character.
