Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in South Central, Raleigh: A Study of Black Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Central, a neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community, with 55% of its population identifying as Black in 2022. The area has undergone demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more homogeneous racial composition to one of increasing diversity. With a median income of $35,666 in 2022, South Central represents a lower-income area within Raleigh, though it has seen economic improvement in recent years.
In 2013, South Central was categorized as a Black Majority community, with 66% of the population identifying as Black. Over the decade, while maintaining its Black Majority status, the neighborhood has shown a trend towards increased diversity. The percentage of Black residents decreased from 66% in 2013 to 55% in 2022, approaching the threshold for a transition to a Black Plurality category. There has been an increase in the White population, rising from 15% in 2013 to 28% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 8-16% over the decade. The category of "Two or More Races" increased from 0% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more multi-racial community.
These shifts suggest that South Central is evolving into a Transitional Community, moving towards greater racial diversity while still maintaining a Black Majority. The increasing representation of multiple racial groups points towards a potential future categorization as a Moderate Diversity area if current trends continue.
The demographic shifts in South Central correlate with economic changes. The median income has increased from $21,149 in 2013 to $35,666 in 2022, representing a growth of about 69% over the decade. This economic improvement coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The population of South Central has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 8,100 in 2015 and decreasing to 7,303 in 2022. This population change, coupled with the increasing median income and shifting racial composition, might indicate a degree of gentrification or urban renewal in the area.
The trends observed in South Central reflect patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many cities have experienced increasing diversity in traditionally homogeneous neighborhoods, often accompanied by economic changes. The growth in the "Two or More Races" category aligns with national trends, as the multiracial population in the U.S. has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in recent years.
The economic growth in South Central, while significant, still places the neighborhood below the median household income for Raleigh as a whole, which was reported to be around $67,266 in 2020. This suggests that while the area is experiencing positive economic change, it still faces challenges in terms of income disparity within the broader city context.
South Central exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a highly homogeneous Black Majority community towards a more diverse and economically improving area. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local policy-making, and future development strategies.
