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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Southwest Raleigh: A Study of Neighborhood Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Southwest Raleigh, a neighborhood in North Carolina's capital city, exhibits characteristics of a Moderate Diversity community. As of 2022, the area has a white population of 49%, a Black population of 25%, and a Hispanic population of 14%. The neighborhood's median income is $50,188 in 2022, reflecting a middle-class economic profile. Southwest Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University, which likely influences its demographic makeup and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, Southwest Raleigh has maintained its status as a Moderate Diversity community, with notable shifts in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was close to being classified as a Majority-Minority area, with the white population at 44% and significant Black (29%) and Hispanic (15%) populations. By 2022, the white population increased to 49%, while the Black population decreased to 25%.
The Asian population has remained relatively stable, between 5-7% throughout the decade. The population identifying as two or more races increased from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, indicating a gradual shift towards greater diversity and potentially signaling the emergence of a Transitional Community.
The median income in Southwest Raleigh has shown overall growth, increasing from $37,530 in 2013 to $50,188 in 2022, representing a 33.7% increase over the decade. This economic improvement correlates with the slight increase in the white population percentage. The population grew from 22,761 in 2013 to 31,131 in 2020, but then declined to 27,791 in 2022. This recent population decrease, coupled with the continued rise in median income, might indicate a shift in the neighborhood's socioeconomic makeup.
The demographic changes in Southwest Raleigh reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the multiracial population aligns with national patterns observed in the 2020 Census. The economic growth in Southwest Raleigh outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Southwest Raleigh's 33.7% growth suggests a more rapidly changing economic landscape.
The presence of North Carolina State University likely contributes to the area's diversity and economic dynamics, attracting students and faculty from various backgrounds and potentially influencing housing prices and local businesses. Southwest Raleigh represents a Moderate Diversity community undergoing gradual demographic shifts and significant economic growth. These changes reflect both local factors, such as the university's influence, and broader national trends towards increasing diversity and urban economic development.
