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Demographic Shift in Northwest Quadrant of Beaufort: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
The Northwest Quadrant of Beaufort, South Carolina, experienced significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, the neighborhood was categorized as having a "White Majority" with 70% of the population identifying as white. The median income was $48,945 in 2022. This area transitioned from a more diverse community to one with less racial heterogeneity over the past decade.
In 2013, the Northwest Quadrant exhibited "Moderate Diversity" with 44% Black and 48% White residents. Over the next decade, the neighborhood shifted towards a "White Majority" status. Between 2019 and 2020, the white population increased from 62% to 81%, while the Black population decreased from 31% to 15%. The Hispanic population showed slight fluctuations, peaking at 10% in 2016 before declining to 2% by 2022.
The demographic shifts correlated with changes in median income. In 2013, when the community was more diverse, the median income was $53,106. As the community transitioned to a White Majority, there was initial volatility in income levels, dropping to $36,644 in 2014. By 2022, the median income recovered to $48,945, nearly reaching its 2013 levels.
The population of the neighborhood fluctuated, declining from 395 in 2010 to 213 in 2019, before rebounding to 370 in 2022. This population recovery coincided with the shift towards a White Majority, suggesting possible gentrification or changing neighborhood dynamics.
The trend observed in the Northwest Quadrant of Beaufort is contrary to many national trends, where increased diversity is more common. This localized shift towards less diversity in a southern coastal city could indicate broader regional demographic changes, possibly influenced by factors such as retirement migration or economic development strategies attracting specific demographic groups.
The economic resilience of the neighborhood, maintaining a relatively stable median income despite significant demographic shifts, is notable. This suggests that the changing racial composition may be linked to broader economic factors rather than purely social dynamics.
The Northwest Quadrant of Beaufort has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse community to one with a clear White Majority. This shift, coupled with population fluctuations and relatively stable median incomes, reflects a neighborhood in flux, potentially indicating broader regional demographic and economic trends.
