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Demographic Evolution in Hazelwood, Missouri: A Study of Racial Composition (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Hazelwood, Missouri, exhibits a diverse demographic composition categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community. As of 2022, the city's population of 25,184 is characterized by a racial composition where no single group constitutes a majority. Black residents form the largest plurality at 42%, while White residents comprise 46%. The median income in 2022 was $58,713.
Over the past decade, Hazelwood has undergone a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, the city was categorized as having a "White Majority" with 58% of the population. By 2019, it had transitioned to a "Moderate Diversity" status as the White population decreased to 50% and the Black population increased to 40%. The 2022 data shows the city has further evolved into a "Majority-Minority" community, with minority groups collectively constituting the majority.
This shift is driven by a steady increase in the Black population, growing from 32% in 2013 to 42% in 2022, and a concurrent decrease in the White population from 58% to 46%. There has also been a notable increase in residents identifying as two or more races, rising from 2% to 7% over the same period, indicating a trend towards a more diverse population mix.
The demographic changes have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $50,965 to $58,713, representing a 15.2% growth. This growth was not linear, with a peak of $62,366 in 2021 before a slight decline in 2022. The overall trend suggests a modest improvement in economic conditions despite demographic shifts.
The population has remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 26,188 in 2013 to 25,184 in 2022, indicating that the demographic changes are more likely due to internal shifts and possibly selective migration rather than significant overall population growth or decline.
The trends observed in Hazelwood align with broader patterns seen in many American suburbs, where increasing diversity and shifts from majority-white to majority-minority communities have been common over the past decade. The economic growth, while moderate, suggests that the city has maintained relative stability during this demographic transition.
Based on the observed trends, Hazelwood is likely to continue its trajectory towards increased diversity. The most probable prediction is that the city will transition into a "High Diversity" category in the near future. This projection is supported by the continuing decline in the White population percentage, the steady increase in the Black population, and the growing proportion of residents identifying as two or more races.
Economically, if current trends persist, we might expect continued moderate growth in median income, potentially reaching or surpassing $65,000 within the next five years. However, this growth may be tempered by broader economic factors and the ongoing demographic changes.
Hazelwood exemplifies a "Transitional Community," moving from a once White-majority suburb to an increasingly diverse urban area. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges, potentially requiring adjustments in community services, representation in local governance, and economic development strategies to ensure equitable growth and social cohesion in this evolving demographic landscape.
