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Demographic Shifts in Oakland's Sequoyah Neighborhood: From Black Plurality to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sequoyah, a neighborhood in Oakland, California, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a Black plurality. As of 2022, the racial composition consists of 33% Black, 32% White, 13% Hispanic, and 12% Asian residents. Sequoyah is an affluent neighborhood, with a median income of $137,210 in 2022, higher than the national average. The neighborhood is located on a hillside, offering views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Over the past decade, Sequoyah has transitioned from a clearer Black Plurality community towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had 39% Black residents, which decreased to 33% by 2022. Other racial groups, particularly Hispanic and multi-racial residents, increased during this period. The community has maintained its Moderate Diversity status throughout the decade, with a trend towards High Diversity as multiple racial groups approach more equal representation.
The White population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 31-37%, while the Asian population has slightly decreased from 14% to 12%. A notable shift is the increase in residents identifying as two or more races, rising from 3% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, indicating a Transitional Community aspect in terms of multi-racial identification.
Sequoyah has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. The median income has risen from $125,304 in 2013 to $137,210 in 2022, representing a 9.5% increase. This upward trend in income correlates with the gradual increase in diversity, suggesting that the neighborhood is attracting affluent residents from various racial backgrounds. The years of highest median income coincide with a slight dip in the White population percentage and increases in Hispanic and multi-racial populations, indicating that the economic prosperity is broadly distributed across racial groups.
The population has remained relatively stable, growing modestly from 5,304 in 2013 to 5,458 in 2022. This stability, combined with rising incomes, suggests a desirable neighborhood with limited housing turnover. Sequoyah's demographic trends align with broader patterns observed in many affluent urban neighborhoods across the United States. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly the growth in multi-racial identification, mirrors national trends.
Sequoyah's retention of a significant Black population distinguishes it from many gentrifying neighborhoods that often see more dramatic decreases in minority populations. The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces national averages, with its median income consistently more than double the U.S. median household income. This indicates that Sequoyah remains an enclave of affluence within Oakland, a city known for its diverse population and varying socioeconomic landscapes.
The stability of Sequoyah's population, coupled with rising incomes and increasing diversity, suggests a neighborhood that has managed to maintain its desirability while becoming more inclusive. This balance is often challenging to achieve in urban areas experiencing economic growth, making Sequoyah a noteworthy example of gradual, inclusive neighborhood evolution.
