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Demographic Shifts in Fairfield, Durham: From White Majority to Black Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Fairfield neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, transitioned from a predominantly white area to a more diverse community between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, Fairfield is classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a "Black Plurality." The neighborhood maintains a high median income, consistently above $150,000 in recent years, indicating its status as an affluent suburb within the Durham metropolitan area.
In 2013, Fairfield had a "White Majority" with 57% of the population identifying as white. The community maintained this classification for several years, although the white population percentage gradually decreased. By 2017, Fairfield transitioned to a "Moderate Diversity" status, with white residents comprising 60% of the population, and significant Asian (11%) and Black (22%) populations.
The most significant demographic shift occurred between 2019 and 2022. During this period, Fairfield changed from a "White Majority" area to a "Black Plurality" community. In 2022, the Black population became the largest group at 43%, while the white population decreased to 44%. This change also qualifies the neighborhood as "Majority-Minority," with minority groups collectively constituting the majority.
The demographic shifts coincided with an upward trend in median income. From 2013 to 2019, as the community diversified, the median income increased from $129,736 to $165,698. A slight decrease to $150,482 occurred in 2020, possibly due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it recovered to $166,420 by 2022.
Fairfield's population grew significantly, nearly doubling from 1,382 in 2013 to 2,783 in 2022. This population growth, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, suggests that Fairfield has become an attractive area for affluent minorities, particularly Black professionals.
The demographic shifts in Fairfield reflect broader trends of increasing diversity in American suburbs, particularly those near major cities. The rapid transition to a Black plurality, while maintaining high median incomes, is notable. Many suburban areas experiencing increased diversity often see more gradual changes and sometimes experience periods of economic transition.
The consistent high median income in Fairfield, even as it became more diverse, suggests that this neighborhood may be attracting high-earning professionals from various racial backgrounds. This trend could indicate Durham's growing reputation as a hub for technology and research, attracting a diverse, highly educated workforce.
Fairfield has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from a predominantly white, affluent suburb to a highly diverse, majority-minority community that maintains its economic prosperity. This change reflects broader national trends towards suburban diversification but is notable for the rapidity of its demographic shift and its ability to maintain high median incomes throughout the transition.
