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Demographic Shifts in Mountainbrook: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Mountainbrook, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "White Majority" community with "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The white population comprises 78% of the neighborhood. Mountainbrook has a median income of $151,176 in 2022, indicating its affluent status within Charlotte. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade.
Over the past decade, Mountainbrook has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Moderate Diversity," with a white population of 68% and a black population of 23%. By 2022, the community transitioned to a "White Majority" with "Low Diversity," as the white population increased to 78% while the black population decreased to 7%.
The shift from "Moderate Diversity" to "Low Diversity" is notable. The black population experienced a substantial decline, dropping from 23% in 2013 to 3% in 2021 before slightly increasing to 7% in 2022. There was a gradual increase in the Asian and Hispanic populations, though they remain relatively small at 3% and 7% respectively in 2022. The transition to a more homogeneous racial composition could be attributed to various factors, including changing housing market dynamics, employment opportunities, or broader socio-economic trends in the Charlotte area.
The demographic shifts in Mountainbrook correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, when the community showed greater racial diversity, the median income was $121,823. As the neighborhood transitioned to a predominantly white community, the median income rose, reaching $168,503 in 2021 before decreasing to $151,176 in 2022. This upward trend in median income, coinciding with the increase in white population percentage, suggests a potential relationship between racial composition and economic status in the neighborhood.
The population of Mountainbrook has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 2,777 in 2014 and dropping to 1,776 in 2019 before increasing to 2,028 in 2022. This population volatility, combined with the rising median income, could indicate a turnover in residents, possibly related to gentrification or other urban development processes.
The demographic changes in Mountainbrook differ from many national trends. Across the United States, many urban areas have been experiencing increasing diversity over the past decade. The fact that Mountainbrook has become less diverse during this period makes it unique. The increase in median income from $121,823 in 2013 to $151,176 in 2022 outpaces national income growth rates for the same period. This suggests that Mountainbrook has become increasingly affluent relative to national averages.
Mountainbrook presents a case of a neighborhood transitioning from moderate diversity to a predominantly white, affluent community over the past decade. This shift, coupled with increases in median income, suggests complex socio-economic dynamics. These changes have implications for the character of the neighborhood, local businesses, and community dynamics, warranting further investigation into the underlying causes and potential long-term effects on the broader Charlotte area.
