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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition Changes in University Hills, Austin
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
University Hills, a neighborhood in Austin, Texas, currently exhibits a "Moderate Diversity" profile with a white plurality. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 44% of the neighborhood, followed by Hispanic residents at 29% and Black residents at 16%. The median income has reached $77,060 in 2022, indicating economic improvement. University Hills is located near Huston-Tillotson University, a historically Black college.
Over the past decade, University Hills has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community, with Hispanic residents forming the largest group at 42%, followed by Black residents at 32%. By 2022, the neighborhood shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" classification with a white plurality.
The most significant changes include an increase in the white population from 23% in 2013 to 44% in 2022, a decrease in the Black population from 32% to 16%, a decrease in the Hispanic population from 42% to 29%, and an increase in residents identifying as two or more races from 1% to 9%. These shifts suggest a "Transitional Community" status.
The demographic changes in University Hills correlate with economic shifts. Median income increased from $55,004 in 2013 to $77,060 in 2022, representing a 40% growth. The most rapid income growth occurred between 2018 and 2021, coinciding with significant demographic change. Despite an overall population decrease from 5,190 in 2013 to 4,653 in 2022, median income continued to rise, suggesting an influx of higher-income residents.
The changes observed in University Hills mirror broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. Gentrification in historically diverse or minority-majority neighborhoods is common in growing cities like Austin. The increase in residents identifying as two or more races aligns with national trends of growing multiracial identification. The rapid income growth in University Hills outpaces the national average, reflecting Austin's status as a fast-growing tech hub.
These changes in University Hills represent larger demographic and economic shifts occurring in many American cities, where urban renewal and economic development often lead to significant changes in neighborhood composition and character. The challenge for University Hills will be to manage this transition in a way that preserves community cohesion and cultural heritage while accommodating new residents and economic growth.
