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Demographic Shifts in Ashford Neighborhood: From Moderate to Low Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Ashford neighborhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, currently presents a demographic landscape categorized as an area of "Low Diversity" with a white majority (76% of the population) as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced demographic fluctuations over the past decade, coupled with economic shifts. Ashford is located near Wake Forest University, which may influence its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Ashford has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having "Moderate Diversity," with a white majority (56%) and a significant Black population (34%). From 2014 to 2019, the area maintained a "Moderate Diversity" status, with the Asian population growing from 3% to 12-17%.
The most significant shift occurred between 2019 and 2022. During this period, Ashford transitioned from "Moderate Diversity" to "Low Diversity," with the white population increasing from 66% to 76%. There was a decline in the Black population from 10% to 5%, while the Hispanic population grew from 8% to 15%. This transition might be attributed to factors such as changing housing patterns, economic opportunities, or shifts in the local job market.
The median income in Ashford has shown volatility over the years, correlating with the demographic shifts. From 2013 to 2018, as the neighborhood maintained its "Moderate Diversity" status, there was a general upward trend in median income, peaking at $72,294 in 2018. This period coincided with an increase in the Asian population and a decrease in the Black population.
From 2019 to 2022, as the neighborhood transitioned to "Low Diversity," there was a decline in median income, dropping to $47,076 in 2022. This economic downturn coincides with the increase in the white population and the Hispanic population, suggesting a relationship between racial demographics and economic factors.
The population of Ashford has fluctuated, reaching a peak of 1,159 in 2021 before dropping to 851 in 2022. This recent population decrease, coupled with the income decline and demographic shift, might indicate changes in the neighborhood, possibly related to housing affordability or changes in the local economy.
The demographic shifts observed in Ashford are notable for their rapidity and extent. The transition from a moderately diverse community to one with low diversity over a few years is unusual and differs from the general national trend towards increasing diversity in urban areas.
The economic volatility, particularly the decline in median income from 2018 to 2022, is significant and may reflect broader economic challenges faced by the region or specific local factors. The presence of Wake Forest University nearby could be a factor in these demographic and economic shifts, potentially influencing housing markets, job opportunities, and the influx of different population groups.
Ashford presents a case study of demographic and economic change, transitioning from a moderately diverse, economically improving neighborhood to one of low diversity with declining income levels. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of urban demographics and the relationship between racial composition and economic factors in American neighborhoods.
