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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Foothill Neighborhood, Santa Barbara
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Foothill neighborhood in Santa Barbara, California, is predominantly White with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the area has a median income of $147,261 and a population of 3,395. Foothill is located near the University of California Santa Barbara.
Over the past decade, Foothill has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but with increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population comprising 82% of residents. By 2022, this decreased to 74%, shifting the community towards Moderate Diversity.
The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 12% in 2013 to 19% in 2022. This trend, along with increases in Asian and multi-racial populations, indicates that Foothill is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in Foothill have coincided with economic changes. The median income has risen from $114,813 in 2013 to $147,261 in 2022, an increase of over 28%. The population has grown from 2,350 in 2013 to 3,395 in 2022, a 44% increase.
The trends observed in Foothill align with patterns seen in many college-adjacent neighborhoods across the United States. The increasing diversity, particularly in Hispanic and Asian populations, reflects national demographic shifts. The substantial income growth in Foothill outpaces national averages.
The transition from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, while maintaining a White Majority, is a common pattern in affluent suburban areas near major universities. This trend often reflects a combination of factors including international student populations, diverse faculty recruitment, and the attraction of tech and research industries to university towns.
Foothill exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, balancing its historically white, affluent character with increasing diversity and economic growth. This evolution presents opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and local policy-making, as the area adapts to its changing demographic and economic landscape.
