The median income in Northeast Hills has shown volatility over the years. It peaked in 2014 at $67,971 but has since declined and stabilized. The current median income of $53,767 in 2022 represents a slight increase from the previous year but is lower than the 2014 peak. The periods of highest income (2013-2015) coincided with a higher proportion of White residents and a Black majority. As the Hispanic population increased and became the plurality, median incomes initially decreased but have shown signs of recovery in recent years.

The demographic shifts in Northeast Hills align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where Hispanic populations have been growing rapidly. The transition from a Black majority to a Hispanic plurality reflects changes occurring in various cities, particularly in the Southeast and Southwest. The economic fluctuations in Northeast Hills may mirror broader economic trends following the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent economic challenges.

The community's evolution towards greater diversity, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population, could be indicative of changing immigration patterns or internal migration within the United States. This trend may be influenced by Durham's status as part of the Research Triangle, which could attract a diverse workforce to the area. Northeast Hills presents an example of a neighborhood in transition, reflecting broader demographic shifts occurring across the United States. Its evolution from a Black majority community to one with a Hispanic plurality, coupled with population growth and economic fluctuations, demonstrates the dynamic nature of urban demographics and the relationship between racial composition and economic factors in American neighborhoods.