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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Old North Durham: From Black Plurality to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Old North Durham, a neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a Black Plurality to Moderate Diversity during this period. In 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 2,173 and a median income of $65,334.
Over the past decade, Old North Durham experienced notable demographic shifts. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited a Black Plurality, with African Americans constituting 41% of the population, whites at 38%, and Hispanics at 19%. By 2017, the neighborhood had transitioned to Moderate Diversity, with whites becoming the largest group at 47%, followed by blacks at 32% and Hispanics at 18%.
By 2022, Old North Durham solidified its status as a Moderately Diverse community. The white population stabilized at 40%, the black population slightly decreased to 29%, and the Hispanic population grew to 27%. A small but noticeable two or more races category emerged at 3%.
The demographic shifts in Old North Durham correlate with economic changes. As the neighborhood transitioned from a Black Plurality to Moderate Diversity, there was an increase in median income. In 2013, the median income was $44,042. By 2022, it had risen to $65,334, representing a 48% increase over the decade.
This economic growth coincided with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The sharpest increase in median income occurred between 2020 and 2021, jumping from $64,562 to $72,900.
The trends observed in Old North Durham align with broader patterns of urban gentrification and diversification seen in many U.S. cities. The increasing Hispanic population mirrors national trends. The economic growth in Old North Durham outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% from 2013 to 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Old North Durham saw a 48% increase.
The neighborhood's evolution from a predominantly African American area to a more diverse community reflects similar changes in other historically black neighborhoods in growing Southern cities. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges, potentially improving local economic indicators while raising concerns about displacement of long-time residents.
Old North Durham exemplifies a Transitional Community undergoing significant demographic and economic changes. Its journey from a Black Plurality to Moderate Diversity, coupled with substantial income growth, reflects broader urban trends of diversification and economic development.
