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Demographic Shifts in Chapel Hill: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Chapel Hill, a neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population constitutes 65% of the total, with Black residents at 16% and Asian residents at 10%. The neighborhood has experienced a gradual increase in diversity over the past decade, alongside economic growth. Chapel Hill is characterized by a mix of residential areas and commercial development, including the Chapel Hill Mall, a center for local commerce and community gatherings.
In 2013, Chapel Hill was categorized as a Low Diversity area with a White Majority of 77%. Over the decade, the neighborhood has transitioned towards Moderate Diversity. The white population has decreased from 77% to 65%, while Asian representation has grown from 2% to 10%. The Black population has remained relatively stable between 14-18%. This shift indicates a Transitional Community, moving towards increased diversity.
The Hispanic population has increased from 1% to 4% between 2013 and 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity. The 'two or more races' category has grown from 3% to 5%, further supporting the trend towards a more diverse community makeup.
The demographic shifts in Chapel Hill correlate with economic changes. The median income has increased from $35,617 in 2013 to $45,323 in 2022, representing a 27% growth. This economic improvement coincides with the increasing diversity, suggesting the neighborhood may be attracting a more varied workforce.
The population peaked in 2018 at 15,446 and has since declined to 14,555 in 2022. This slight population decrease, coupled with continued income growth, might indicate a shift in the neighborhood's socio-economic composition.
The trends observed in Chapel Hill mirror broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The growth in the Asian population from 2% to 10% is particularly noteworthy. The economic growth in Chapel Hill appears to be in line with national trends of income growth in the post-2008 recession era.
The slight population decline in recent years, contrasting with the income growth, could indicate a trend of urban and suburban reorganization post-pandemic, with some residents relocating to less dense areas while higher-income individuals move in.
Chapel Hill represents a community in transition, moving from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse, economically improving neighborhood. These changes likely affect local businesses, schools, and community dynamics. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing suburban diversity and economic restructuring in mid-sized American cities.
