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Demographic Shifts in Briarwood: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Briarwood, a neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, has experienced significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The community transitioned from a moderately diverse population to a White majority area. In 2013, Briarwood had a nearly even split between Black (47%) and White (45%) residents. By 2022, the White population increased to 65%, while the Black population decreased to 27%. This shift coincided with economic changes, as the median income rose from $34,999 in 2013 to $53,468 in 2022.
The demographic transition in Briarwood was accompanied by notable economic trends. The median income increase of 53% over the decade significantly outpaced the national average. However, this growth was not linear, with fluctuations occurring throughout the period. A notable drop in median income was observed between 2017 and 2018, coinciding with the White population first reaching 60%. The income subsequently rebounded and continued to rise as the White majority solidified.
The population of Briarwood remained relatively stable during this period, with a slight decrease from 2,621 in 2013 to 2,213 in 2022. This suggests that the demographic changes were likely due to a combination of existing residents leaving and new residents moving in, rather than significant overall population growth or decline. The neighborhood also saw a slight increase in Hispanic representation and a more noticeable rise in residents identifying as two or more races, growing from 1% to 5% over the decade.
The demographic shifts observed in Briarwood reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where neighborhoods undergo racial and economic transitions. The increase in median income alongside the growth of the White majority is a pattern observed in many gentrifying neighborhoods nationwide. However, the persistence of a significant Black population and the growth in multiracial residents suggests that Briarwood may be evolving into a more complex demographic landscape.
The economic growth in Briarwood should be considered in the context of national trends. The median household income in the United States grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 when adjusted for inflation. Briarwood's 53% increase in median income over the same period significantly outpaces this national trend, indicating a more dramatic economic shift in this neighborhood compared to the country as a whole.
In conclusion, Briarwood has undergone a significant demographic and economic transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse community to one with a clear White majority and higher median income. These changes reflect broader urban trends but also present unique local dynamics that will likely continue to shape the neighborhood's character in the coming years.
