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Demographic Shifts in City College Area: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The City College Area of Long Beach, California, is currently a White Majority community with a median income of $111,036 as of 2022. This neighborhood exhibits Moderate Diversity, with significant representation from Hispanic (21%) and Asian (13%) populations. The area is home to Long Beach College, which likely influences its demographic makeup and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, the City College Area has undergone notable demographic changes. In 2013, it was categorized as a White Majority community with 65% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority status, the white population decreased to 53%, just above the threshold for this category. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 17% and 26% over the decade. The Asian population has shown steady growth, nearly doubling from 7% in 2013 to 13% in 2022. The Black population has also increased, though more modestly, from 3% to 5%.
These shifts suggest a trend towards a Transitional Community, with increasing representation from minority groups. If current trends continue, the area could soon shift from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority community. The median income in the City College Area has shown significant volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2021, there was a general upward trend, with median income rising from $102,916 to $126,387, representing a 22.8% increase. However, 2022 saw a decrease to $111,036.
This economic volatility appears to correlate with demographic shifts. The period of increasing diversity (2013-2021) coincided with rising median incomes, suggesting that the influx of diverse professionals may have contributed to economic growth. The sudden drop in 2022 could be related to broader economic factors or changes in the local job market. Population figures have remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 13,009 in 2013 to 13,691 in 2022. This stability, combined with changing demographics, suggests that the area is experiencing a gradual replacement of existing residents rather than significant population growth.
The demographic shifts observed in the City College Area align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The gradual decrease in the white population percentage and increase in minority representations, particularly Asian and Hispanic populations, reflect national trends of increasing diversity in metropolitan areas. The area's median income, even after the 2022 decrease, remains significantly above the national median household income (which was about $70,784 in 2021). This suggests that despite demographic changes, the City College Area remains an affluent neighborhood within Long Beach.
The presence of Long Beach College likely contributes to the area's demographic dynamics. College areas often attract a diverse population of students, faculty, and associated professionals, which could explain the gradual increase in diversity and the maintenance of high median incomes. In conclusion, the City College Area of Long Beach is undergoing a gradual but significant demographic transition, moving from a predominantly White Majority community towards a more diverse composition. This shift has been accompanied by economic fluctuations, with a general trend of income growth until recently. As the community continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these demographic and economic changes impact local institutions, housing markets, and community dynamics.
