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Demographic Shift in Central Park, Durham: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Central Park neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, transitioned from a moderately diverse community to a White Majority area between 2013 and 2022. In 2022, the neighborhood had a 74% White population and a median income of $103,107. This area, originally one of Durham's first planned suburbs from the early 20th century, has undergone significant demographic and economic changes in the past decade.
The neighborhood's demographic composition shifted through various categories over the years. From 2013 to 2016, it was classified as Moderate Diversity. Between 2017 and 2019, it became a Transitional Community with an increasing Black population. In 2020 and 2021, it was categorized as White Majority, but close to Moderate Diversity. By 2022, it solidified its White Majority status.
A notable change occurred between 2021 and 2022, with the Black population decreasing from 21% to 9% and the White population increasing from 64% to 74%. This rapid shift suggests a potential "Transitional Community" status, but in the direction of decreasing diversity.
The median income in Central Park increased consistently, rising from $67,022 in 2013 to $103,107 in 2022, a 54% increase. This economic growth correlated with the demographic shifts. The most significant increase in median income occurred between 2020 and 2022, coinciding with the most dramatic shift towards a White Majority. The population grew from 258 in 2013 to 393 in 2022, indicating increasing neighborhood attractiveness.
The trends in Central Park reflect broader patterns of gentrification seen in many urban areas across the United States. The rapid increase in median income and simultaneous decrease in racial diversity, particularly the sharp decline in the Black population, are characteristic of this process. Central Park's 2022 median income of $103,107 was significantly higher than the national average of $70,784.
The decrease in the Black population from 21% to 9% between 2021 and 2022 is notable and may indicate displacement due to rising housing costs or other economic pressures. This trend raises questions about housing affordability and community preservation in the context of rapid economic growth.
Central Park has transformed from a moderately diverse community to a high-income, predominantly White neighborhood over the past decade. This change reflects broader urban trends but has occurred at a rapid pace, particularly in recent years. The economic growth, while beneficial in some respects, may be creating challenges related to affordability and community diversity that require attention from policymakers and community leaders.
