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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in West End, Durham: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West End, a neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, is characterized by moderate diversity with a Black plurality as of 2022. The Black population comprises 49% of the neighborhood, while the White population accounts for 35%. The median income in 2022 was $33,247, indicating a working-class community. Over the past decade, West End has experienced significant demographic changes, reflecting broader urban transformation trends often associated with gentrification in historically Black neighborhoods.
In 2013, West End had a racial majority, with the Black population at 55%. By 2018, the neighborhood transitioned to high diversity, with no racial group exceeding 40% and significant representation from White, Black, and Asian populations. The Black population percentage decreased from 55% in 2013 to 32% in 2018, while White and Asian populations increased. However, this trend partially reversed by 2022, with the neighborhood returning to moderate diversity with a Black plurality.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, as the neighborhood became more diverse, the median income increased from $26,882 to $40,957, a 52% rise. This period coincided with a decrease in the Black population percentage and increases in White and Asian populations. After 2019, there was a notable decrease in median income, dropping to $33,247 by 2022. This decline coincided with a partial reversal of the demographic shift, with the Black population percentage increasing again.
The demographic and economic trends in West End mirror patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods near city centers. The initial trend towards increased diversity and rising incomes is often associated with gentrification processes. However, the partial reversal of this trend in recent years is less common and may reflect local efforts to maintain community character or affordability.
The median income, while showing significant fluctuations, remains below the national median household income. This indicates that despite changes, West End remains a predominantly working-class neighborhood. The persistence of a significant Black population, even after periods of demographic shift, suggests a strong community fabric that has resisted complete displacement, a challenge faced by many similar neighborhoods nationwide.
West End's demographic evolution over the past decade reflects broader urban trends of gentrification and diversification, but with a unique trajectory that suggests local factors at play in shaping the neighborhood's character and composition. The interplay between racial demographics and economic indicators points to a community in flux, navigating the complex challenges of urban development and community preservation.
