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Demographic Shifts in South Ellicott: From Majority-Minority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Ellicott, a neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a Majority-Minority community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2022, the neighborhood's population consisted of 49% White, 22% Black, and 20% Hispanic residents. The median income in 2022 was $36,787, indicating a working-class community. South Ellicott's proximity to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus may have influenced these demographic and economic shifts.
The demographic transformation in South Ellicott occurred gradually over the past decade. In 2013, Black residents formed a plurality at 45%, with White residents at 33%. By 2022, this had shifted to White residents becoming the largest group at 49%. A significant change occurred around 2020, with the percentage of Black residents decreasing from 41% in 2019 to 29% in 2020, while the White population increased from 28% to 44% in the same period. This rapid change suggests a potential influx of new residents, possibly related to urban renewal efforts or changes in the local job market.
The Hispanic population in South Ellicott remained relatively stable at around 20% throughout the decade. There was also a notable increase in residents identifying as two or more races, growing from 1% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. This could indicate increasing interracial relationships or a growing comfort with multi-racial identification. The population size remained relatively stable, ranging from 2,500 to 2,800 residents throughout the decade, suggesting that the demographic changes were more likely due to population turnover rather than significant new development or displacement.
Economic trends in South Ellicott showed significant fluctuations over the decade. The median income decreased from $32,547 in 2013 to a low of $20,811 in 2019, before rebounding to $36,787 in 2022. This recent upward trend in income correlates with the shift towards a White plurality, suggesting that the demographic changes might be linked to economic factors such as gentrification or changes in the local job market.
The demographic shifts in South Ellicott reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically Black or minority-majority neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of White residents, often accompanied by rising incomes. This pattern is frequently associated with gentrification processes in cities undergoing economic revitalization. The proximity of South Ellicott to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus could be a significant factor in these changes, potentially influencing housing demand and demographics in the neighborhood.
The increase in residents identifying as two or more races aligns with national trends, as the multiracial population in the U.S. has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in recent years. In conclusion, South Ellicott has transitioned from a Majority-Minority community to one of Moderate Diversity over the past decade, with significant economic fluctuations. These changes likely reflect broader urban renewal trends and the influence of nearby institutions, presenting both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and equity in the neighborhood.
