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Demographic Shifts in Ironwood: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Ironwood, a neighborhood in Greenville, North Carolina, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a slight White Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,577 and a median income of $91,340. Ironwood is known for its golf course community, attracting retirees and young professionals.
Over the past decade, Ironwood has undergone demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by a White Majority (54%) with a substantial Black population (43%). This racial composition remained relatively stable until 2019, with slight fluctuations but maintaining a White Majority status.
From 2020 onwards, Ironwood transitioned into a more diverse community. The year 2020 saw a shift, with the White population increasing to 69%, briefly pushing the neighborhood into a Low Diversity category. By 2021 and 2022, the neighborhood evolved into a Moderate Diversity community with an increase in the Asian population (from 0% in 2019 to 13% in 2022) and a reduction in the Black population (from 41% in 2019 to 34% in 2022).
The demographic shifts in Ironwood correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the median income fluctuated between $49,678 and $61,864, showing relative stability. Coinciding with the demographic shift in 2020, there was an upward trend in median income. It rose from $55,072 in 2019 to $67,477 in 2020, then increased to $91,340 by 2022.
This income growth aligns with the increase in the Asian population and the maintenance of a White Majority, suggesting an influx of higher-income residents.
The demographic and economic changes in Ironwood reflect broader trends seen in many suburban areas across the United States. The increasing diversity, particularly the growth in the Asian population, is consistent with national trends of Asian Americans moving to suburban areas. The increase in median income aligns with patterns seen in areas experiencing gentrification or becoming attractive to high-earning professionals.
The transition from a predominantly White-Black community to one with a significant Asian presence is noteworthy. This shift, combined with the income increase, suggests that Ironwood may be becoming a desirable location for highly skilled immigrants or second-generation Asian Americans.
These changes likely have impacts on local life, potentially influencing local businesses, school demographics, community services, and cultural events. The rapid pace of change may also present challenges in terms of community cohesion and affordable housing for long-term residents.
Ironwood's evolution from a White Majority community with significant Black representation to a more diverse, affluent neighborhood represents a microcosm of broader demographic and economic shifts occurring in many parts of the United States. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges for community development and social integration.
