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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Shawnee Hills, a neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. It is classified as a "Black Majority" community with 76% of the population identifying as Black. The neighborhood's median income has risen to $46,923 in 2022, reflecting significant economic fluctuations over the past decade. Shawnee Hills has experienced a gradual increase in racial diversity, particularly with growth in the white population, indicating the potential early stages of a "Transitional Community."
Over the past decade, Shawnee Hills has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community, but with a noticeable trend towards increasing diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Low Diversity" with 83% Black population. By 2022, while still a "Black Majority," the community has shifted towards "Moderate Diversity," with the Black population decreasing to 76% and the White population increasing from 7% to 22%. The emergence of small Asian and multiracial populations in recent years further indicates a trend towards diversification. This gradual shift suggests Shawnee Hills may be in the early stages of becoming a "Transitional Community," moving away from its historical "Low Diversity" status.
The economic landscape of Shawnee Hills has been marked by volatility. Median income rose significantly from $33,247 in 2013 to $56,938 in 2019, suggesting a period of economic growth. However, there was a sharp decline to $46,208 in 2020, likely due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The income rebounded to $60,718 in 2021 but fell again to $46,923 in 2022. These economic fluctuations coincide with demographic changes. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the White population, correlates with periods of higher median income. This suggests that the neighborhood may be experiencing some degree of gentrification, attracting more diverse, potentially higher-income residents.
Population trends also reflect these changes. The population decreased from 1,157 in 2013 to 554 in 2017. It then rebounded to 914 by 2021 before slightly declining to 766 in 2022. These population shifts, coupled with income and racial demographic changes, indicate a neighborhood in transition, possibly experiencing both out-migration of some long-term residents and in-migration of new, more diverse residents.
Shawnee Hills' trends can be contextualized within broader national patterns. The increasing diversity in Shawnee Hills aligns with national trends of growing diversity in urban areas. The economic volatility, particularly the sharp decline in 2020 and subsequent rebound, mirrors national economic trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gradual increase in the White population percentage, coupled with income fluctuations, suggests a pattern of urban renewal or gentrification seen in many U.S. cities.
Shawnee Hills exemplifies a neighborhood in transition. While maintaining its identity as a predominantly Black community, it shows signs of increasing diversity and economic change. These shifts present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, affordable housing, and local economic development. As Shawnee Hills continues to evolve, monitoring these trends will be crucial for informed community planning and policy-making.