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Demographic Shifts in Historic Westside: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Historic Westside neighborhood of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited moderate diversity with a near-even split between white (58%) and Black (39%) populations. By 2022, it transitioned to a white majority status, with the white population increasing to 62%, while the Black population decreased to 26%. The Hispanic population notably increased from 1% to 10% during this period.
The median income in Historic Westside has shown an upward trend, increasing from $31,479 in 2013 to $47,122 in 2022, representing a nearly 50% increase. This economic improvement correlates with the increasing white majority and growing Hispanic population. However, the relationship between demographics and economics is complex, with initial stages of neighborhood change possibly involving lower-income white residents.
The demographic shifts in Historic Westside reflect broader trends seen in many historic urban neighborhoods across the United States. The process of gentrification often leads to increased property values and changing racial compositions, typically favoring white and higher-income residents. The growth of the Hispanic population in this neighborhood aligns with Florida's overall demographic trends, as the state has seen significant Hispanic population growth in recent years.
The median income growth in Historic Westside, while positive, still places the neighborhood below Florida's overall median household income (approximately $57,700 in 2021). This suggests that while the area is experiencing economic improvement, it remains a relatively modest-income community within the broader state context.
The Historic Westside neighborhood has evolved from a primarily Black-White binary to a more multiethnic composition, though still maintaining a white majority. The triggers for this demographic evolution could include gentrification processes potentially linked to the neighborhood's historic character, changes in local economic opportunities attracting different demographic groups, and regional migration patterns affecting Florida more broadly.
The sharp increase in median income from 2019 ($40,488) to 2020 ($48,096) aligns with a continued increase in the white population and decrease in the Black population, potentially indicating a phase of more affluent residents moving in. The growing Hispanic population has coincided with overall income growth, suggesting this group may be contributing to the neighborhood's economic vitality.
In conclusion, the Historic Westside neighborhood of New Smyrna Beach has undergone a significant demographic transition over the past decade, evolving from a moderately diverse community to one with a clearer White Majority but with growing Hispanic representation. This shift has been accompanied by overall economic improvement, though the area still faces economic challenges compared to state averages. The neighborhood's historic character likely plays a role in these dynamics, potentially attracting new residents and investment while also presenting challenges for maintaining socioeconomic diversity.
