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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Chollas Creek, San Diego
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Chollas Creek, a neighborhood in San Diego, California, exhibits characteristics of a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The Hispanic population forms a plurality at 45%, followed by Asian (27%) and Black (15%) populations. The neighborhood has experienced demographic and economic changes over the past decade, with a current median income of $59,976. Chollas Creek is known for its urban revitalization efforts, particularly the Chollas Creek Enhancement Program.
From 2013 to 2022, Chollas Creek transitioned from a Hispanic Majority (52% in 2013) to a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity. This shift is characterized by a declining Hispanic population share (from 52% to 45%), increasing Asian population share (from 20% to 27%), relatively stable Black population (around 15-22%), and slight increase in White population (from 9% to 13%). The community has maintained its Majority-Minority status throughout this period, but the internal composition has become more balanced, moving towards Moderate Diversity.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes. Median income increased from $38,249 in 2013 to $59,976 in 2022, a 57% rise. Population grew from 4,991 in 2013 to a peak of 6,103 in 2019, before declining to 4,919 in 2022. The substantial income growth suggests an influx of higher-earning residents, potentially contributing to the increased Asian population share and slight growth in the White population. This trend may indicate early stages of gentrification, which could explain the recent population decline as lower-income residents potentially face displacement.
The demographic changes in Chollas Creek reflect broader trends in urban areas across the United States, including increasing diversity in traditionally minority-majority neighborhoods, growing Asian populations in urban centers, and gentrification processes leading to income growth and potential displacement. Chollas Creek's maintained Majority-Minority status, despite economic changes, suggests a level of community resilience and cultural preservation.
The economic growth in Chollas Creek outpaces the national average, with its 57% income increase over a decade surpassing the U.S. median household income growth of about 30% during a similar period. This rapid growth could be attributed to San Diego's strong tech and biotech sectors, which may be attracting higher-income residents to previously lower-income neighborhoods.
Chollas Creek exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, balancing increased economic opportunity with the challenges of maintaining affordability and cultural identity. The shift towards Moderate Diversity, coupled with significant income growth, presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and long-term sustainability.
