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Demographic Evolution of California Heights: White Plurality and Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
California Heights in Long Beach, California, has maintained its status as a "Moderate Diversity" community from 2013 to 2022. The neighborhood is characterized by a White plurality (48% in 2022) with significant Hispanic (26%) and Asian (10%) populations. The median income was $87,429 in 2022, indicating a relatively affluent area. California Heights is notable for its historic district status, featuring preserved California bungalows from the 1920s and 1930s.
Over the past decade, California Heights has experienced subtle demographic shifts within its "Moderate Diversity" classification. The White population percentage increased slightly from 47% in 2013 to 48% in 2022. The Hispanic population decreased from 28% to 26%, while the Asian population declined from 13% to 10%. The Black population remained relatively stable, increasing from 7% to 8%. These changes suggest a gradual trend towards increased representation of the White population while maintaining significant diversity.
The median income in California Heights has fluctuated considerably over the decade. It peaked in 2018 at $107,140, representing a period of economic prosperity. A sharp decline occurred in 2020 to $86,705, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2022, it had slightly recovered to $87,429 but remained below pre-pandemic levels. The period of highest median income (2015-2019) coincided with a slight increase in the White population percentage and a decrease in the Hispanic population percentage. The economic downturn in 2020 was accompanied by a stabilization of racial percentages, suggesting that economic challenges affected all groups similarly.
The trends observed in California Heights reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The gradual increase in diversity is consistent with national trends, though California Heights maintains a higher White plurality than many urban neighborhoods. The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp decline in 2020, mirror the national economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resilience of the community's diversity in the face of economic changes suggests a stable, integrated neighborhood structure.
In comparison to national averages, California Heights maintains a higher median income, even after the recent decreases. This suggests that while the neighborhood has experienced economic challenges, it remains a relatively affluent area within the broader context of Long Beach and the United States.
The demographic evolution of California Heights over the past decade showcases a community that has maintained its diverse character while experiencing subtle shifts in racial composition and significant economic fluctuations. These changes reflect both local dynamics and broader national trends, depicting a neighborhood that continues to evolve while preserving its core characteristics of diversity and relative affluence.
