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Demographic Shifts in Seneca Neighborhood: From Hispanic Plurality to Black Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Seneca neighborhood in Moreno Valley, California, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,559 with a median income of $56,682. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade.
In 2013, Seneca displayed a Majority-Minority composition, with Hispanic residents forming a plurality (39%) followed closely by Black residents (36%). From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood maintained a Majority-Minority status with fluctuating Hispanic and Black pluralities. From 2018 to 2019, it maintained Majority-Minority status but shifted towards High Diversity. From 2020 to 2022, it transitioned to Moderate Diversity with a Black Plurality.
The most significant shift occurred between 2019 and 2020, where the Hispanic population decreased from 45% to 18%, while the Black population increased from 26% to 45%. This change could be attributed to factors such as housing policies, economic opportunities, or broader societal shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The median income in Seneca has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $44,719 in 2013 to $56,682 in 2022, representing a 26.8% growth. This economic improvement correlates with the shift towards Moderate Diversity and the establishment of a Black Plurality. Notable economic milestones include a sharp increase in median income to $51,790 in 2017, a peak median income of $58,423 in 2019, and slight fluctuations from 2020 to 2022.
The population has grown overall, from 1,700 in 2013 to 1,559 in 2022, with fluctuations. The most significant drop occurred in 2020 (1,140 residents), followed by a recovery in subsequent years.
The demographic shifts in Seneca reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas of California, where traditionally Hispanic neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of Black residents. The economic growth in Seneca, while positive, still places the neighborhood below the California state median household income of approximately $78,672 in 2021.
The transition to a Black Plurality is notable, as it differs from trends in many California cities that are seeing increases in Hispanic and Asian populations. This demographic shift could be indicative of Moreno Valley's specific economic and social dynamics, potentially offering more affordable housing options for Black families compared to other parts of the region.
Seneca's evolution from a Majority-Minority community to one of Moderate Diversity with a Black Plurality, coupled with steady economic growth, indicates a neighborhood in transition. These changes likely bring both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local businesses, and public services, as the area adapts to its changing demographic landscape.
