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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Willow Plaza, Waterbury
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Willow Plaza, a neighborhood in Waterbury, Connecticut, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community. As of 2022, the neighborhood population consists of 50% Black, 28% Hispanic, and 17% White residents. The current median income is $38,138. Willow Plaza has a small geographical area, contributing to its community cohesion despite its diverse population.
Over the past decade, Willow Plaza has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Moderate Diversity," with a Hispanic plurality (48%), 26% Black, and 22% White populations. By 2016, it transitioned to a "Racial Majority" community with Hispanics constituting 58% of the population. From 2017 to 2021, the area reverted to a "Moderate Diversity" classification. The most recent data from 2022 shows a shift to a Black plurality (50%), returning to "Majority-Minority" status.
The median income in Willow Plaza has shown volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a gradual increase from $22,638 to $34,472. In 2020 and 2021, median income spiked, reaching $78,911 in 2021. This coincided with a slight increase in the White population percentage. The 2022 data shows a decline in median income to $38,138, coinciding with the significant increase in the Black population.
The demographic shifts in Willow Plaza reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the volatility in both racial composition and median income is more pronounced than typical national averages. The rapid transitions between different diversity categories within a decade suggest a neighborhood in flux.
The income fluctuations, particularly the spike in 2020-2021 followed by a sharp decline, are atypical and may be related to localized economic factors or policy changes specific to Waterbury or Connecticut. This level of economic instability could have implications for community cohesion and long-term planning in Willow Plaza.
Willow Plaza exemplifies a "Transitional Community" in both racial and economic terms. The neighborhood's changes in diversity categories and income levels over the past decade highlight the dynamic nature of urban demographics and the interplay between racial composition and economic factors in shaping community identity.
