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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Surrey Green, Durham: A Study of White Majority Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Surrey Green, a neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from moderate diversity to a white majority community. In 2022, 70% of the population identified as white, compared to 51% in 2013. This shift occurred alongside fluctuations in median income and overall population.
The neighborhood experienced a notable increase in the white population percentage, rising from 51% in 2017 to 60% in 2018, and further to 75% by 2021. Concurrently, there was a decrease in other racial groups, particularly the Hispanic population, which declined from 20% in 2013 to 1% by 2018. These changes resulted in Surrey Green's classification shifting from "Moderate Diversity" to "White Majority".
Economic trends in Surrey Green showed interesting correlations with the demographic shifts. From 2013 to 2018, as the neighborhood maintained moderate diversity, median income generally increased from $71,459 to $87,435. However, from 2019 onwards, as the white majority status solidified, median income sharply declined, dropping to $33,782 in 2022, a decrease of nearly 60%.
The population of Surrey Green remained relatively stable throughout this period, fluctuating between 128 and 204 residents. This suggests that the demographic and economic changes are more likely due to turnover in the existing population rather than significant influxes or outflows of residents.
The trend towards increased racial homogeneity in Surrey Green contrasts with broader national trends, which generally show increasing diversity in urban areas. The sharp decline in median income is also notable and may be atypical for a predominantly white neighborhood near a major university.
Surrey Green's proximity to Duke University may explain some of these trends, as changes in student demographics or university expansion could significantly impact such a small neighborhood. These changes could reflect unique local factors, such as changes in university housing policies, shifts in the local job markets, or targeted development efforts in the area.
In conclusion, Surrey Green has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, shifting from a moderately diverse community to one with a strong white majority. This demographic shift has been accompanied by complex economic changes, with an initial increase in median income followed by a sharp decline. These trends suggest a dynamic and evolving neighborhood, potentially influenced by its unique position near a major university and the broader socio-economic changes in Durham and the surrounding region.
