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Demographic and Racial Trends in Belmont Shore: A Study of a Transitioning White Majority Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Belmont Shore, a neighborhood in Long Beach, California, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 63% of residents, with a Hispanic presence of 16% and growing representation from other racial groups. The neighborhood has experienced an increase in diversity over the past decade. Economically, Belmont Shore has a median income of $93,101 in 2022, above the national average. This coastal community is known for its shopping district and beaches, attracting residents and visitors.
Over the past decade, Belmont Shore has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to one with Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority of 77%. By 2022, this majority decreased to 63%, while other racial groups gained representation. The Hispanic population has remained between 16-20%, while Asian, Black, and multi-racial populations have increased. This shift suggests a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The most significant changes include an increase in the Asian population from 2% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, growth in the Black population from virtually none to 4% in 2022, and a rise in those identifying as two or more races, from 3% to 7%. These trends indicate a gradual move towards a more diverse community composition, while maintaining a White Majority status.
The demographic shifts in Belmont Shore have occurred alongside economic growth. The median income has risen from $79,316 in 2013 to $93,101 in 2022, an increase of 17.4% over nine years. This economic growth may have contributed to the neighborhood's increasing diversity by attracting a wider range of residents.
The population has grown from 7,013 in 2013 to 8,406 in 2022, a 19.9% increase. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes, suggests that Belmont Shore has become an increasingly desirable location for a diverse range of residents, potentially due to its economic opportunities and quality of life.
The trends observed in Belmont Shore align with patterns seen in many coastal California communities, where increasing diversity often correlates with rising property values and incomes. Belmont Shore's changes are more gradual compared to some rapidly gentrifying areas in larger cities.
The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces the national average, which saw median household income rise from $51,939 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that Belmont Shore remains an affluent enclave within the broader economic landscape.
The gradual increase in diversity in Belmont Shore reflects larger demographic shifts occurring across California and the United States, where many communities are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. However, the persistence of a White Majority in Belmont Shore indicates that this neighborhood's demographic changes are occurring at a slower pace than in some other urban areas experiencing rapid diversification.
Belmont Shore exemplifies a community in transition, balancing its historical demographic makeup with increasing diversity, while experiencing economic growth. These changes suggest a neighborhood that is evolving to reflect broader societal shifts while maintaining its distinct character as an affluent coastal community.
