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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Chelsea Commons, Florida: A Study of Neighborhood Evolution
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Chelsea Commons, a neighborhood in Greenacres, Florida, exhibits characteristics of a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The Hispanic population forms a plurality at 42%, while White residents comprise 33% of the population. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, with a current population of 2,442 and a median income of $41,286. Chelsea Commons has seen substantial population growth, increasing by nearly 47% since 2010, which exceeds the average growth rate for Florida during the same period.
In 2013, Chelsea Commons was categorized as having a White Majority, with 52% of the population identifying as white. Over the decade, the neighborhood transitioned through several categories: White Majority (2013-2015), Moderate Diversity with White plurality and significant Hispanic presence (2016-2019), and Majority-Minority with Moderate Diversity and Hispanic plurality (2020-2022). This transition was primarily driven by a steady increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 34% in 2013 to 42% in 2022, while the White population decreased from 52% to 33%. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 10-14% throughout the decade.
A notable change occurred in 2020 with the introduction of a significant "Two or More Races" category, increasing from 0% to 8-9% in recent years. This suggests a trend towards increased racial mixing and potentially indicates a Transitional Community aspect.
The median income in Chelsea Commons has fluctuated over the years but shows an overall declining trend. In 2013, the median income was $46,252, peaking at $46,768 in 2015. By 2022, it had fallen to $41,286, representing an 11% decrease over the decade. This economic decline correlates with the demographic shifts, particularly the increase in the Hispanic population and the decrease in the White population. It is possible that this change reflects broader economic disparities among racial groups or changes in the local job market affecting different communities differently.
Despite the declining median income, the neighborhood has seen significant population growth, increasing from 1,662 in 2010 to 2,442 in 2022. This growth could indicate that Chelsea Commons is becoming an attractive destination for new residents, possibly due to affordability or other factors not captured in the income data alone.
The demographic shifts in Chelsea Commons align with broader trends seen across Florida and the United States. Many areas are experiencing increases in Hispanic populations and becoming more diverse. However, the rapid pace of change in Chelsea Commons, transitioning from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority community in just a decade, is more pronounced than average.
The declining median income in Chelsea Commons contrasts with Florida's overall trend of increasing median household income over the same period. This disparity suggests that local factors, possibly related to the changing demographic composition or specific economic conditions in Greenacres, are influencing income levels in the neighborhood.
The significant population growth in Chelsea Commons, despite declining median income, could indicate that the area is attracting newcomers due to factors such as affordable housing, community amenities, or proximity to employment opportunities. This growth amidst economic challenges presents both opportunities and potential strains on local resources and infrastructure.
Chelsea Commons exemplifies a rapidly changing, increasingly diverse community facing economic challenges. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader demographic trends but with more pronounced shifts, highlighting the dynamic nature of suburban communities in Florida and the complex interplay between racial demographics and economic conditions.
