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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Sunnyside, Winston-Salem
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sunnyside, a neighborhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a low median income. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 819 people. Black and Hispanic residents each comprise 37% of the population, followed by 24% White residents. The median income of $26,493 in 2022 is below the national average, indicating economic challenges within the community. Sunnyside has historical significance in Winston-Salem's tobacco industry, with many residents having worked in nearby tobacco factories in the past.
Over the past decade, Sunnyside has transitioned from a Black Plurality community to a more diverse neighborhood. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited a Black Plurality with 39% Black residents, followed by 31% Hispanic and 29% White residents. By 2022, the community had evolved into a Moderate Diversity profile, with Black and Hispanic populations reaching parity at 37% each, while the White population decreased to 24%. This shift can be categorized as a Transitional Community, particularly evident in the growing Hispanic population, which increased from 31% in 2013 to 40% in 2021 before slightly decreasing to 37% in 2022. The community has also seen a small increase in residents identifying as two or more races, growing from 0% in 2013 to 2% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Sunnyside correlate with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income showed overall growth, increasing from $23,923 to $26,493. This growth was not linear, with notable fluctuations throughout the decade. The lowest point was in 2018 at $22,332, while the highest was in 2021 at $28,354. The periods of highest Hispanic population growth coincided with slight decreases or stagnation in median income. This could suggest that incoming Hispanic residents may have initially entered lower-wage jobs, temporarily suppressing overall median income growth.
The gradual increase in median income over the decade, despite remaining low compared to national averages, may indicate slow economic improvement alongside increasing diversity. This could be attributed to a diversifying job market or community development initiatives.
The demographic shifts observed in Sunnyside align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced growth in Hispanic populations and a decline in the proportion of White residents. Sunnyside's nearly equal proportion of Black and Hispanic residents may reflect specific local economic or cultural factors attracting these communities.
The persistent low median income, despite some growth, is a concern that mirrors challenges faced by many inner-city neighborhoods nationwide. This economic situation, combined with the neighborhood's increasing diversity, suggests that Sunnyside may be an area where recent immigrants and long-term residents alike are seeking affordable housing options within Winston-Salem.
Sunnyside exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater racial diversity while grappling with economic challenges. This evolution reflects broader urban demographic trends but also highlights the unique character and challenges of this Winston-Salem community.
