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Demographic Evolution of First Ward, Charlotte: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
First Ward, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. It is classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community, with a white population of 48% and a Black population of 38%. The median income in 2022 was $82,532, indicating a relatively affluent area. First Ward is one of Charlotte's oldest neighborhoods and has undergone significant urban renewal, transitioning from a primarily low-income area to a mixed-income community.
Over the past decade, First Ward has experienced a notable shift in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having a "White Majority" with 61% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this had changed to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with the white population decreasing to 48% and the Black population increasing from 31% to 38%. The Asian population grew from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, while the Hispanic population remained relatively stable at 3-4% throughout the decade.
The demographic shifts in First Ward have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income decreased from $92,831 to $82,532. This trend was not linear, with income peaking in 2014 at $94,877 before declining and then stabilizing in the mid-$80,000 range in recent years. The period of greatest racial diversification (2018-2022) coincided with a slight increase in median income, rising from $83,168 in 2018 to $87,784 in 2021 before settling at $82,532 in 2022.
The population of First Ward has grown substantially, from 2,447 in 2013 to 3,757 in 2022, a 53% increase. This growth, coupled with the diversification and relatively stable income levels, indicates a neighborhood that is attracting new residents while maintaining its economic character.
The trends observed in First Ward align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many cities have experienced increased diversity in their central neighborhoods, often accompanied by gentrification and urban renewal efforts. The stability of median income in First Ward, despite significant population growth and diversification, is noteworthy and may indicate successful efforts to maintain a mixed-income community during redevelopment.
Compared to national trends, First Ward's median income remains above the U.S. median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021, suggesting that despite some fluctuations, it remains a relatively affluent area. The increasing diversity in First Ward also reflects a national trend towards more diverse urban centers, particularly in growing cities like Charlotte.
First Ward's evolution over the past decade demonstrates a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly white area to a more diverse community while maintaining its economic status. This transformation reflects broader urban trends but also highlights the unique character of this historic Charlotte neighborhood as it adapts to changing demographics and urban development patterns.
