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Demographic Shifts in Treasure Island: Hispanic Growth and Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Treasure Island, a neighborhood in San Francisco, California, exhibits Moderate Diversity with a transitioning demographic landscape. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a Hispanic plurality (31%), followed by White residents (30%), Black residents (16%), and Asian residents (10%). Treasure Island's median income has fluctuated significantly over the past decade, with a notable increase in 2021. The island, originally created for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition and later used as a naval base, is undergoing redevelopment efforts, contributing to its demographic and economic changes.
Over the past decade, Treasure Island has transitioned from a community with no clear racial majority to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood displayed High Diversity, with White (31%), Black (23%), Hispanic (22%), and Asian (18%) populations. By 2022, the Hispanic population had grown to 31%, while the Black population decreased to 16%, and the Asian population dropped to 10%. This shift indicates a Transitional Community, with Hispanic residents gaining a plurality over time.
The most notable changes include an increase in the Hispanic population from 22% in 2013 to 31% in 2022, a decline in the Black population from 23% to 16%, fluctuations in the White population ending at 30% in 2022, and a decrease in the Asian population from 18% to 10%. These shifts may be attributed to the ongoing redevelopment of Treasure Island, potentially attracting new residents while displacing others.
The median income in Treasure Island has shown significant volatility. From 2013 to 2015, income remained around $37,000. A steady increase occurred from 2016 to 2018, reaching $56,841. After a slight dip in 2019, income rose to $58,749 in 2020. A dramatic spike to $86,584 occurred in 2021, followed by a return to $58,749 in 2022. This economic turbulence correlates with the demographic shifts, potentially indicating an influx of higher-income residents during redevelopment phases, possible gentrification pressures affecting the racial composition, and economic challenges faced by long-term residents, particularly in minority communities.
Treasure Island's demographic evolution reflects broader trends seen in urban areas undergoing redevelopment. The increase in Hispanic population aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in urban centers. The decrease in Black population mirrors patterns of displacement seen in other gentrifying neighborhoods across the U.S. The fluctuating income levels suggest a neighborhood in transition, likely influenced by San Francisco's broader housing market pressures and tech industry growth.
Treasure Island's unique history and isolated geography make its demographic shifts particularly noteworthy. The rapid changes in both racial composition and income levels are more pronounced than typically seen in established urban neighborhoods, highlighting the impact of targeted redevelopment efforts on a small, formerly military community.
Treasure Island presents a case study of a Transitional Community, moving from High Diversity to Moderate Diversity with a growing Hispanic plurality. The economic volatility and demographic shifts underscore the complex interplay between urban redevelopment, population dynamics, and economic forces in shaping the character of this San Francisco neighborhood.
