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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Browns Road, Charlotte: A Study of Neighborhood Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Browns Road, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 7,629, with a median income of $66,033. The area is located near the University Research Park.
Over the past decade, Browns Road has maintained a Moderate Diversity profile, with shifts in racial composition. In 2013, the racial distribution was more balanced, with White (37%), Black (31%), and Hispanic (21%) populations. By 2022, the community transitioned to a Black Plurality (35%), with White (35%) and Hispanic (20%) populations following.
The Asian population fluctuated, peaking at 6% in 2017-2019 before declining to 2% in 2022. The community has seen an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, rising from 2% in 2020 to 7% in 2022, indicating a trend towards increased racial mixing.
The neighborhood's median income has shown volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was an upward trend, with median income rising from $63,873 to $78,786. In 2020, there was a significant drop to $66,987, likely due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a brief recovery in 2021 ($71,592), the median income fell again in 2022 to $66,033.
These economic fluctuations appear to correlate with demographic shifts. The period of income growth (2013-2019) coincided with an increase in the Asian population and relative stability in the White population. The recent decline in income aligns with a decrease in the Asian population and a slight increase in the Hispanic population. Population growth has been steady, increasing from 5,534 in 2013 to 7,629 in 2022.
The demographic trends in Browns Road reflect broader patterns observed in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth in multiracial identification, aligns with national trends. The economic volatility experienced by Browns Road, especially the sharp decline in 2020, is consistent with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic observed nationwide. However, the neighborhood's median income remains above the national median ($69,021 in 2022).
The neighborhood's proximity to the University Research Park likely contributes to its resilience and diversity, as university-adjacent areas often attract a mix of students, professionals, and families from various backgrounds. This characteristic may help explain the area's ability to maintain moderate diversity and relative economic strength even in the face of broader economic pressures.
Browns Road exemplifies a dynamic urban neighborhood experiencing gradual demographic shifts while navigating economic fluctuations. Its evolution from a more evenly distributed racial makeup to a Black Plurality with increasing multiracial representation reflects broader national trends towards greater diversity. The area's economic resilience, despite recent challenges, suggests a complex interplay between its diverse population, local economic drivers, and broader societal trends.
