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Demographic Shift in Hillcrest Area, Savannah: From Moderate Diversity to Black Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Hillcrest Area in Savannah, Georgia, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 703 with a median income of $38,303. The area was originally established in the mid-20th century as a planned suburban community.
Over the past decade, the Hillcrest Area has undergone a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized as having "Moderate Diversity," with a nearly even split between Black (49%) and White (48%) residents. By 2018, it had transitioned to a "Black Majority" community, with 84% of the population identifying as Black. This shift represents an example of a "Transitional Community."
The transition was rapid, with the Black population percentage increasing from 49% in 2013 to 72% in 2015, and further to 84% in 2018. Concurrently, the White population decreased from 48% in 2013 to 12% in 2018. Since 2018, the racial composition has stabilized somewhat, with the 2022 figures showing 71% Black and 24% White residents.
The demographic shifts in the Hillcrest Area have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2017, there was a steady increase in median income from $30,823 to $35,058. However, 2018 saw a drop to $29,649, which aligns with the peak of Black majority (84%).
Since 2018, there has been a general upward trend in median income, reaching $39,777 in 2021 before decreasing to $38,303 in 2022. This recent economic improvement has occurred alongside a slight moderation in the racial composition, with a small increase in the White population percentage.
The population of the neighborhood has fluctuated, peaking at 830 in 2018 before declining to 703 in 2022. This could suggest some out-migration following the peak of the demographic shift.
The demographic changes in the Hillcrest Area reflect broader trends of neighborhood racial turnover seen in many urban areas across the United States. The economic trajectory of the neighborhood, with its recent upward trend in median income, is a positive sign. However, at $38,303, the 2022 median income remains below the national median household income of approximately $70,784 (as of 2021).
The stability in racial composition since 2018, coupled with the recent income improvements, may indicate that the neighborhood is entering a new phase of community development. This could present opportunities for targeted economic development initiatives to further improve the economic standing of residents while maintaining the area's cultural character.
