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Demographic Shifts in Secluded Valley: White Majority and Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Secluded Valley, a neighborhood in Lafayette, California, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. The area is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" (74% white). Secluded Valley is characterized by its high median income of $197,362, positioning it among the most affluent areas in the United States. The neighborhood has a small population of 955 residents in 2022, indicating an exclusive community within Lafayette.
Over the past decade, Secluded Valley has experienced subtle demographic changes. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood maintained its "White Majority" status, with the white population percentage ranging between 66% and 94%. Recent years have shown a gradual shift towards increased diversity. The period from 2013 to 2019 was marked by "Low Diversity" with a strong "White Majority," while 2020 to 2022 saw a transition towards "Moderate Diversity," though still maintaining a "White Majority."
The most notable change occurred between 2020 and 2022, with the Asian population increasing from 4% to 18%, while the white population decreased from 90% to 74%. This shift suggests a potential transition from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity," although this threshold has not been fully reached.
The median income in Secluded Valley has remained consistently high throughout the observed period, fluctuating between $179,441 and $200,000. The highest median incomes (around $200,000) coincided with periods of lower diversity (2014-2017), while slight decreases in median income occurred as diversity began to increase (2018-2019). The median income returned to near peak levels in 2021-2022, coinciding with the increase in Asian population.
Secluded Valley's population has shown a general declining trend from 1,518 in 2016 to 955 in 2022. This population decrease, combined with maintained high incomes, suggests a possible trend of larger, more expensive properties replacing smaller ones, or a shift towards smaller household sizes among high-income residents.
The demographic shifts in Secluded Valley, particularly the increase in Asian population, align with broader trends seen in many affluent California communities, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. This trend often reflects the growing presence of high-income tech professionals of Asian descent in these areas.
The consistently high median income of Secluded Valley, significantly above the California state median (which was around $78,672 in 2021), underscores its status as an extremely affluent enclave. This economic profile is typical of exclusive neighborhoods in the Bay Area, known for their concentration of wealth often associated with the tech industry.
The gradual increase in diversity, albeit still limited, may indicate a slow opening up of this traditionally exclusive community. However, the persistently high income levels suggest that this diversification is occurring primarily within a high socioeconomic bracket, rather than representing a broader spectrum of economic backgrounds.
In conclusion, Secluded Valley is showing signs of increased racial diversity, yet remains a predominantly white, extremely high-income area. The community appears to be in the early stages of a potential transition from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity," but this change is occurring within a context of sustained economic exclusivity.
