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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Melrose Neighborhood, Nashville
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CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Melrose, a neighborhood in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government, Tennessee, exhibits characteristics of a "White Majority" community with a significant level of affluence. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 6,246 and a median income of $94,474, indicating a relatively prosperous area. Melrose is known for its mix of historic homes and newer developments, reflecting its evolving character over the years.
Over the past decade, Melrose has undergone a notable transition in its racial composition. In 2013, it could be categorized as having "Moderate Diversity," with a white majority (70%) and a substantial black population (25%). However, by 2022, the neighborhood had shifted towards a "White Majority" status, with the white population increasing to 79% and the black population decreasing to 10%.
This shift suggests a trend of gentrification, where the historically diverse neighborhood has become increasingly homogeneous. The increase in Asian (from 2% to 4%) and Hispanic (from 1% to 3%) populations, while small, indicates a growing presence of these groups, potentially categorizing Melrose as a "Transitional Community" in terms of its evolving diversity.
The demographic shifts in Melrose correlate with significant economic changes. The median income has risen from $68,273 in 2013 to $94,474 in 2022, representing a 38% increase. This growth in income levels aligns with the increasing white majority and could be a factor in the demographic changes observed.
The population has grown from 3,440 in 2013 to 6,246 in 2022, nearly doubling in size. This rapid growth, combined with rising incomes and changing racial composition, suggests a period of intense development and potentially displacement of lower-income residents.
The trends observed in Melrose mirror patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in rapidly growing cities like Nashville. The process of gentrification, characterized by rising property values, increasing incomes, and demographic shifts, is a common phenomenon in desirable urban neighborhoods.
Nationally, the median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022, adjusted for inflation. Melrose's 38% increase outpaces this national trend, indicating a strong economic transformation in the neighborhood.
The rapid population growth in Melrose also outpaces the overall growth rate of Nashville, which grew by about 11% from 2010 to 2020. This suggests that Melrose has been a focal point for development and in-migration within the broader Nashville area.
Melrose has transformed from a moderately diverse, middle-income neighborhood to a predominantly white, high-income area over the past decade. This shift reflects broader urban trends of gentrification and development, raising questions about affordability, community character, and the balance between economic growth and maintaining diversity in urban neighborhoods.
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