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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Lexington, North Carolina: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lexington, North Carolina, currently presents a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community, with the white population comprising 59% of the total in 2022. This majority has been declining over the past decade, suggesting a trend towards increased diversity. Economically, the city has experienced moderate growth in median income, rising from $37,797 in 2013 to $40,576 in 2022, indicating slow but steady economic progression.
Over the past decade, Lexington has undergone a gradual transition from a "Low Diversity" community towards a more diverse demographic composition. In 2013, the white population constituted 66% of the total, bordering on the "Low Diversity" category. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 59%, moving the city firmly into the "White Majority" category but trending towards "Moderate Diversity."
The Black population has remained relatively stable, hovering around 19-21% throughout the decade. There has been a notable increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 11% in 2013 to 13% in 2022. The Asian population, while still small, has doubled from 2% to 4% during this period. The growth in these minority populations, coupled with an increase in those identifying as two or more races (from 1% to 3%), indicates a shift towards a more diverse community.
The city's economic trajectory shows a correlation with its demographic changes. The median income has fluctuated but generally trended upward, from $37,797 in 2013 to $40,576 in 2022. This represents a 7.4% increase over nine years. The periods of highest median income (2020-2021) coincide with the years of highest diversity, suggesting a possible positive relationship between increasing diversity and economic growth.
The population has remained relatively stable, peaking at 34,100 in 2015 and settling at 32,326 in 2022. This stability, combined with the increasing diversity and rising median income, suggests a community in transition that is maintaining its core while becoming more inclusive.
The trends observed in Lexington align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in small to medium-sized cities. The growth in Hispanic and Asian populations reflects national demographic shifts seen in many parts of the United States over the past decade.
Based on the observed trends, Lexington appears to be on a trajectory towards becoming a "Moderate Diversity" community in the near future. If current trends continue, we can expect a continued decline in the white majority, potentially falling below 55% in the next 5-10 years. Further growth in the Hispanic and Asian populations is anticipated, with the Hispanic community possibly reaching 15% and the Asian community approaching 5-6%. An increase in the population identifying as two or more races is also expected.
Economically, if the correlation between diversity and income growth holds, we might anticipate continued modest increases in median income. However, this growth could accelerate if the city successfully leverages its increasing diversity to attract new businesses and opportunities.
Lexington is exhibiting characteristics of a "Transitional Community," moving from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more multicultural, economically dynamic city. This transition, if managed effectively, could position Lexington as an increasingly attractive destination for a diverse range of residents and businesses in the coming years.
