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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Park Santiago: A Study of Neighborhood Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Park Santiago, a neighborhood in Santa Ana, California, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a Hispanic Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 6,032 and a median income of $92,076. Park Santiago is known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, giving it a distinct character within Santa Ana.
Over the past decade, Park Santiago has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as a Hispanic Majority community, with 54% of the population identifying as Hispanic. By 2022, this had shifted to a Moderate Diversity profile with a Hispanic Plurality (44%). This transition reflects a gradual decrease in the Hispanic population percentage and an increase in other racial groups, particularly Asian and White populations.
The Asian population has seen notable growth, increasing from 8% in 2013 to 13% in 2022. The White population has also fluctuated, ranging from 35% to 41% over the years. These changes suggest a Transitional Community status, with the neighborhood becoming more diverse over time.
The demographic shifts in Park Santiago correlate with significant changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood experienced a substantial increase in median income, rising from $82,647 to $103,658. This period coincided with a decrease in the Hispanic population percentage and increases in Asian and White populations.
2020 saw a sharp decline in median income to $88,945. This economic downturn coincided with a temporary increase in the White population percentage to 41%, the highest in the decade. Since 2020, the median income has shown signs of recovery, reaching $92,076 in 2022. This recovery period has seen a continued increase in the Asian population and a slight decrease in the Hispanic population.
The demographic changes in Park Santiago reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where increasing diversity and gentrification often go hand in hand. The rise in median income, particularly from 2013 to 2019, suggests a possible gentrification process, which could explain the decreasing Hispanic population percentage and increasing Asian and White populations.
The neighborhood's median income of $92,076 in 2022 is higher than the national median household income of $70,784 (as of 2021), indicating that Park Santiago is a relatively affluent area. This economic status, combined with its increasing diversity, positions Park Santiago as an example of a changing urban landscape where demographic shifts are closely tied to economic factors.
The transition from a Hispanic Majority to a Moderate Diversity community with a Hispanic Plurality reflects a national trend of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the relatively high median income and the specific racial composition changes (increase in Asian and White populations) suggest that Park Santiago may be experiencing a more pronounced version of this trend, possibly due to its desirable location and historic character.
Park Santiago's demographic evolution over the past decade showcases a community in transition, moving towards greater diversity while experiencing significant economic changes. These shifts likely have implications for local culture, community dynamics, and potentially housing affordability, making Park Santiago an interesting case study in urban demographic and economic change.
