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Demographic Shifts in Bahama Village, Key West: A Study of Racial Composition Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Bahama Village, located in Key West, Florida, presents as a transitional community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood exhibits a White majority (58%) with significant Hispanic (23%) and Black (13%) populations. Bahama Village has historical significance as one of Key West's oldest neighborhoods, originally settled by Bahamian immigrants in the 19th century. This cultural heritage influences the area's character despite ongoing demographic shifts.
Over the past decade, Bahama Village has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by a nearly equal split between White and Black residents (46% each), with a small Hispanic population (7%). By 2022, the community had transitioned to a White majority (58%) with growing Hispanic representation (23%) and a declining Black population (13%). This shift represents a move from high diversity to moderate diversity with a clear transitional trend.
The most notable changes include a steady increase in the White population share from 46% in 2013 to 58% in 2022, a significant decline in the Black population share from 46% in 2013 to 13% in 2022, a substantial growth in the Hispanic population from 7% in 2013 to 23% in 2022, and the emergence of a small but noticeable two or more races category (5% in 2022). These shifts suggest a gentrification process may be occurring, with the traditional Black community being displaced by incoming White and Hispanic residents.
The demographic changes correlate with fluctuations in median income. Median income increased from $41,880 in 2013 to $52,233 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $46,597 in 2022. The overall trend shows a modest increase in median income over the decade. The population has grown from 735 in 2013 to 990 in 2022, indicating increased demand for housing in the area. The rising median income and growing population, coupled with the demographic shifts, suggest that Bahama Village is experiencing economic changes typical of gentrifying neighborhoods.
The trends observed in Bahama Village mirror broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in historically minority neighborhoods experiencing gentrification. The decline in the Black population and the growth of White and Hispanic residents is a common pattern in gentrifying areas, often accompanied by rising property values and incomes. The specific context of Key West as a tourist destination and its limited land area may intensify these trends.
Bahama Village exemplifies a transitional community undergoing significant demographic and economic shifts. The neighborhood is moving from high diversity to moderate diversity with a growing White majority, while experiencing economic changes indicative of gentrification. These trends present both opportunities and challenges for maintaining the area's unique cultural heritage while accommodating new residents and economic development.
