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Demographic Shifts in Spanish Wells: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Spanish Wells, a neighborhood in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority. As of 2022, the racial composition is 65% white, 15% Hispanic, and 18% Black. The neighborhood has transitioned from lower diversity over the past decade. Spanish Wells is an affluent community with a median income of $128,830 in 2022, above the national average. It is known for golf courses, waterfront properties, and exclusive residential areas.
From 2013 to 2022, Spanish Wells underwent a gradual transformation in its racial composition. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood maintained a Low Diversity profile with a strong White Majority, consistently above 80% white population. From 2020 to 2022, a transition began towards Moderate Diversity, though still maintaining a White Majority. The white population decreased from 87% in 2020 to 65% in 2022, while Hispanic and Black populations increased. The data suggests Spanish Wells is becoming a Transitional Community, with increasing representation from Hispanic and Black populations over the last five years.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic trends. The median income has shown a general upward trend, from $99,698 in 2013 to $128,830 in 2022, with a peak of $184,278 in 2021. The population has fluctuated, dropping from 2,875 in 2010 to a low of 1,802 in 2015, then rebounding to 2,552 in 2022. The increase in diversity coincides with the overall trend of rising median incomes, suggesting that the neighborhood is attracting affluent individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The trends observed in Spanish Wells reflect broader national patterns. Many affluent suburban areas across the U.S. have been experiencing increased racial diversity over the past decade. The rise in median income aligns with national trends of economic recovery and growth post-2008 recession, particularly in high-end communities. As a coastal community in South Carolina, Spanish Wells' demographic shifts may be influenced by broader migration patterns to sunbelt states and desirable coastal areas. The simultaneous increase in diversity and median income could indicate a form of "affluent integration" rather than traditional gentrification, as the area was already high-income.
Spanish Wells presents a case of a traditionally homogeneous, affluent community gradually transitioning towards greater diversity while maintaining its economic status. This evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas and the complex interplay between racial demographics and economic factors in desirable coastal locations.
