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Demographic and Racial Trends in Plaza Hills: A Study of Neighborhood Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Plaza Hills, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, currently exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with a median household income of $117,810 as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced significant changes over the past decade, transitioning from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. Plaza Hills has seen a substantial increase in median income, particularly in recent years, which may be indicative of gentrification or economic development in the area.
In 2013, Plaza Hills was categorized as Low Diversity, with a white population of 88%. Over the years, the neighborhood has undergone a transition towards greater diversity. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority at 62%, the community has shifted to Moderate Diversity. This change is primarily due to increases in the Black and Asian populations, which grew to 21% and 11% respectively by 2022.
The most notable shift occurred between 2020 and 2022, where the Black population increased from 14% to 21%, while the White population decreased from 71% to 62%. This rapid change suggests a potential Transitional Community status, as the neighborhood appears to be moving towards even greater diversity.
The economic landscape of Plaza Hills has seen remarkable changes correlating with its demographic shifts. In 2013, the median income was $62,954. By 2022, it had nearly doubled to $117,810. Notably, there was a significant jump from $110,847 in 2019 to $178,236 in 2021, before slightly decreasing in 2022.
This substantial increase in median income coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. It's possible that as the neighborhood became more diverse, it also attracted higher-income residents from various backgrounds, potentially driving up property values and overall neighborhood affluence.
The trends observed in Plaza Hills align with broader patterns of increasing diversity and gentrification seen in many urban areas across the United States. The rapid increase in median income, particularly between 2019 and 2021, outpaces national trends and may be indicative of targeted development or an influx of high-earning professionals to the area.
The shift from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, with a continuing White Majority, suggests that Plaza Hills may be in the early to middle stages of a demographic transition. This pattern is common in many suburban areas near growing urban centers, where increasing diversity often correlates with economic growth and development.
The substantial Asian population growth (from 0% in 2013 to 11% in 2022) may reflect broader trends of Asian immigration and internal migration to growing economic centers in the United States.
Plaza Hills exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, both demographically and economically. The shift towards greater diversity coupled with significant income growth suggests a dynamic and changing community. These trends will likely continue to shape the character and socio-economic landscape of the neighborhood in the coming years, potentially leading to further increases in diversity and economic development.
