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Demographic Shift and Racial Composition in Upper Duvall: A Study of Neighborhood Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Upper Duvall, a neighborhood in Key West, Florida, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a white majority as of 2022. The white population comprises 70% of the total. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income increasing from $45,043 in 2013 to $67,573 in 2022. Upper Duvall's location near Duval Street and its historic charm contribute to its residential appeal.
Over the past decade, Upper Duvall has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood displayed moderate diversity, with significant representation from Black (28%) and Hispanic (12%) populations alongside a white majority (59%). By 2022, the area had shifted to a low diversity classification with an increased white majority (70%). The most significant change occurred between 2017 and 2018, when the Black population decreased from 12% to 6%, while the white population increased from 60% to 75%.
The demographic shifts in Upper Duvall correlate with economic changes. As the neighborhood transitioned to a more homogeneous racial composition, median income increased substantially. From 2013 to 2022, median income rose by approximately 50%, from $45,043 to $67,573. This trend suggests the possibility of gentrification, with higher-income white residents potentially displacing lower-income minority populations. Despite the income increase, the population decreased from 640 in 2013 to 582 in 2022, potentially indicating a shift towards smaller, more affluent households or the conversion of some residential properties to vacation rentals or second homes.
The demographic changes in Upper Duvall reflect broader trends observed in many urban areas across the United States, where gentrification often leads to the displacement of minority communities and an influx of more affluent, predominantly white residents. The scale of change in Upper Duvall is pronounced given its small size and island location.
The economic growth in Upper Duvall outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 30% between 2013 and 2022, Upper Duvall's growth of 50% in the same period is higher. This rapid income growth, coupled with the demographic shifts, suggests that Upper Duvall may be experiencing accelerated gentrification compared to national averages.
The persistence of a significant Hispanic population (18% in 2022) amidst these changes is notable and may reflect the broader cultural influence of Hispanic communities in South Florida. This indicates that while gentrification is occurring, some aspects of the neighborhood's cultural diversity are being maintained.
Upper Duvall has transformed from a moderately diverse neighborhood to one with low diversity and a strong white majority over the past decade. This shift has been accompanied by substantial economic growth, potentially indicating gentrification processes. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader urban trends but appears to be occurring at an accelerated pace, likely influenced by Key West's appeal as a tourist destination and real estate market.
