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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Bercliff, South Bend: A White Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Bercliff, a neighborhood in South Bend, Indiana, is predominantly white with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 66% of residents, with a median income of $40,518. The neighborhood has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade, evolving from a more homogeneous community to one with increasing racial diversity.
From 2013 to 2022, Bercliff maintained its status as a White Majority community, but experienced notable changes in racial composition. The neighborhood shows signs of being a Transitional Community, with an increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations. The Hispanic population grew from 12% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, while those identifying as two or more races increased from 4% to 9%. The community experienced periods of Moderate Diversity, particularly between 2015-2017 when the Black population reached approximately 21-24%. However, this trend has since reversed, with the Black population decreasing to 10% by 2022.
Despite fluctuations, the overall trend indicates movement towards greater diversity. The combined non-white population has grown from 34% in 2013 to 34% in 2022, suggesting a slow but steady diversification. The economic landscape of Bercliff has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. The median income dropped significantly from $31,273 in 2013 to a low of $23,783 in 2017, coinciding with the period of highest Black population percentage. This suggests a potential correlation between demographic shifts and economic challenges.
Since 2017, there has been a notable recovery in median income, reaching $40,518 in 2022. This economic improvement coincides with a slight decrease in diversity, particularly in the Black population. The neighborhood has experienced a gradual population decline from 3,575 in 2013 to 2,954 in 2022. This could indicate outmigration, possibly related to economic factors or changing neighborhood dynamics.
The growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations aligns with national trends of increasing diversity in many American communities. The significant income fluctuations in Bercliff may reflect broader economic challenges faced by many Midwestern cities, particularly those with a history of industrial decline. The demographic shifts in Bercliff could be part of a larger trend of increasing diversity in suburban areas, as seen in many parts of the United States over the past decade.
Bercliff represents a community in transition, balancing between its historical White Majority status and emerging diversity. The economic recovery in recent years, coupled with demographic shifts, suggests a neighborhood adapting to broader societal changes. These trends warrant continued observation to understand their long-term impacts on community cohesion and local economic development.
