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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Forest Hills North in Columbia, South Carolina, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with a median income of $54,999 as of 2022. The neighborhood has Low Diversity, with 83% of the population identifying as white. Forest Hills North is located near the University of South Carolina, which may influence its demographic makeup and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Forest Hills North has undergone demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority (76%) with Moderate Diversity, as the Black population represented 19% of residents. By 2022, the area transitioned to Low Diversity with an increase in the white population to 83% and a decrease in the Black population to 10%. The Hispanic population increased from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, indicating a slow diversification in this aspect.
The median income in Forest Hills North has fluctuated over the decade. It started at $43,320 in 2013, peaked at $57,912 in 2019, dropped to $39,434 in 2021, then rebounded to $54,999 in 2022. This income volatility coincides with changes in racial composition, particularly the increase in the white population percentage.
The years of highest median income (2019-2020) corresponded with a slight increase in diversity, with the Black population at 15% and small increases in Asian and Hispanic populations. As the white population percentage increased to its highest levels in 2021-2022, median income initially dropped before recovering. The neighborhood population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 470 and 745 residents over the decade. The most diverse years (2015-2016) saw the highest population numbers.
The demographic trends in Forest Hills North contradict national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban areas across the U.S. have seen growing minority populations and increased racial diversity, Forest Hills North has moved towards less diversity over the past decade. The income fluctuations in the neighborhood may reflect broader economic trends, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could explain the sharp drop in median income in 2020-2021. The subsequent recovery in 2022 aligns with the national economic rebound post-pandemic.
The proximity to the University of South Carolina might explain some of these unique trends. University neighborhoods often experience demographic shifts tied to student populations, which can influence both racial composition and income levels in ways that differ from broader city or national trends. Forest Hills North presents a case of a neighborhood that has moved against the national trend of increasing diversity, while experiencing significant income volatility. These changes suggest an interplay between demographic composition, economic factors, and possibly the influence of the nearby university, indicating a dynamic urban environment in transition.