Demographic Composition and Racial Shifts in Verdugo Viejo: A Study of a White Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Verdugo Viejo, a neighborhood in Glendale, California, demonstrates a "White Majority" demographic composition with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 65% of the neighborhood, with Asian and Hispanic populations each representing 15%. The median income in 2022 was $65,884, indicating a middle to upper-middle-class community. Verdugo Viejo is characterized by its historic nature, featuring many well-preserved homes from the early 20th century.
Over the past decade, Verdugo Viejo has maintained its "White Majority" status, but with notable changes. The white population decreased from 72% in 2013 to 65% in 2022, signaling a gradual shift towards increased diversity. The Hispanic population experienced the most significant growth, increasing from 9% in 2013 to 15% in 2022. The Asian population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 13% and 16% throughout the decade. The Black population showed a slight increase from 2% to 3% over the same period.
The median income in Verdugo Viejo has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $60,734 in 2013 to $65,884 in 2022, an increase of about 8.5%. This growth in median income correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. A significant jump in median income occurred between 2017 ($63,353) and 2018 ($68,846), coinciding with a peak in population (10,359 in 2018). However, the population has decreased since 2018, dropping to 9,285 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in Verdugo Viejo align with broader trends seen in many suburban areas of major metropolitan regions across the United States. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly with growth in Hispanic and Asian populations, mirrors national demographic trends.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory, with its overall increase in median income despite recent fluctuations, suggests a resilience that may be characteristic of established, historically significant neighborhoods in desirable suburban locations. Compared to national trends, Verdugo Viejo's median income remains above the U.S. median household income, indicating that it continues to be a relatively affluent area despite recent changes.
Verdugo Viejo presents a picture of a gradually diversifying, economically stable neighborhood that maintains its "White Majority" status while showing signs of transition towards greater diversity. The interplay between its changing demographics and economic indicators suggests a dynamic community adapting to broader societal shifts while maintaining its distinctive character.
