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Demographic Evolution of Sunset Key: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sunset Key, a neighborhood in Key West, Florida, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. The population consists of 45 individuals, with 58% identifying as white, categorizing it as a "White Majority" community. The median income is $116,839, which is considerably higher than national averages. Sunset Key is a man-made island that can only be accessed by boat, contributing to its exclusive nature.
Over the past decade, Sunset Key has experienced significant changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having "Low Diversity," with 90% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, the community had transitioned to a "White Majority" status, with increased representation from other racial groups. The Hispanic population grew from 3% in 2013 to 24% in 2022, while the Black population increased from 0% to 11% during this period. These shifts indicate that Sunset Key has become a "Transitional Community," moving towards greater diversity.
Concurrent with these demographic changes, Sunset Key has undergone substantial economic growth. The median income increased from $90,375 in 2013 to $116,839 in 2022, representing a growth of nearly 30%. This economic prosperity has coincided with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, suggesting a possible link between the influx of new residents and high-income individuals from various racial backgrounds.
The population of Sunset Key has fluctuated over the years, reaching a peak of 67 in 2013 and a low of 44 in 2015. The current population of 45 in 2022 indicates a slight decline from the peak, potentially suggesting a trend towards larger, more expensive properties or a shift in the neighborhood's housing market.
The demographic shifts observed in Sunset Key align with broader national trends towards increasing diversity, particularly in high-income areas. However, the scale and speed of these changes are notable given the small size and exclusive nature of the neighborhood.
The economic trajectory of Sunset Key contrasts with many other areas in the United States. While income inequality has been a growing concern nationally, Sunset Key has maintained and even increased its status as an extremely high-income enclave. This suggests that the neighborhood may be attracting wealthy individuals from diverse backgrounds, possibly due to changing preferences among high-net-worth individuals or shifts in the global economy.
Sunset Key presents a case study of rapid demographic change in a small, affluent community. Its transition from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse, yet still white-majority neighborhood, while maintaining extremely high income levels, provides insights into the complex interplay between race, wealth, and community dynamics in exclusive enclaves within the United States.
