Loading Content...
Demographic Changes in Meadowfield Neighborhood: Increasing Racial Diversity from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Meadowfield neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina, experienced significant demographic changes between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, Meadowfield is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity. The neighborhood has a population of 2,667 and a median income of $83,717. Meadowfield's proximity to the University of South Carolina likely influences its demographic composition and economic status.
Over the past decade, Meadowfield underwent notable demographic shifts. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by "Low Diversity" with a strong white majority (85%). By 2022, the community had transitioned to a "White Majority" with "Moderate Diversity." The white population decreased from 85% to 64%, while other racial groups, particularly Black and Hispanic populations, saw increases. The Hispanic population grew from 3% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, and the Black population increased from 9% to 15% in the same period. The Asian population fluctuated, peaking at 8% in 2021 before settling at 5% in 2022.
The median income in Meadowfield showed volatility over the years, with a general upward trend until 2020. From 2013 to 2019, the median income increased from $83,802 to $105,000. However, 2020 saw a drop to $84,566, possibly due to the global pandemic's economic impact. The income rebounded to $103,262 in 2021 but decreased again to $83,717 in 2022. The periods of highest median income (2015-2019) coincided with the lowest racial diversity, suggesting a potential correlation between economic prosperity and demographic homogeneity.
Population trends show steady growth, with a significant increase from 1,573 in 2019 to 2,573 in 2020, followed by continued growth to 2,667 in 2022. This population increase coincides with the increasing diversity, suggesting that the neighborhood's growth is driven by an influx of diverse residents.
The demographic shifts in Meadowfield reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past decade. The economic fluctuations, particularly the dip in 2020, align with national economic trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The neighborhood's proximity to the University of South Carolina likely contributes to its increasing diversity and economic resilience. University towns often attract a more diverse population and can maintain relatively stable economies due to the consistent presence of the educational institution.
Meadowfield has transformed from a low-diversity, predominantly white neighborhood to a moderately diverse community with a white majority over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by economic fluctuations and significant population growth, reflecting broader national trends of suburban diversification and the unique influences of its university-adjacent location.
