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Demographic Shifts in Waddell: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity with White Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Waddell, a neighborhood in Manchester, Connecticut, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 55% of the community, with significant representation from Black (19%) and Hispanic (16%) groups. The neighborhood has experienced notable demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a White Majority to its current more diverse composition. Waddell is known for its proximity to the historic Cheney Brothers National Historic Landmark District, which reflects the area's rich industrial heritage.
The transition from White Majority to Moderate Diversity is evident in the demographic data. In 2013, Waddell was categorized as a White Majority community with 67% of the population identifying as white. Over the next decade, this percentage steadily declined, reaching 55% by 2022. This shift moved the neighborhood from a White Majority to a Moderate Diversity classification with a White Plurality.
The representation of minority groups has increased over time. The Black population increased from 12% in 2013 to 19% in 2022, while the Hispanic population grew from 12% to 16% over the same period. This trend suggests a Transitional Community, with increasing diversity over time. The Asian population, while still small, showed significant growth from 3% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity.
Economic trends in Waddell have shown fluctuations over the past decade. The median income peaked at $74,351 in 2017, coinciding with the highest population of 4,020 residents. However, it has since decreased to $69,083 in 2022. The population has shown variability, ranging from a low of 3,302 in 2014 to a high of 4,020 in 2017. The most recent data for 2022 shows a population of 3,396, suggesting a slight decline in recent years. Despite fluctuations, the median income has remained relatively stable over the decade, hovering around the high $60,000s to low $70,000s range. This suggests a degree of economic resilience in the face of demographic changes.
The increasing diversity in Waddell aligns with broader trends seen in many Connecticut communities, reflecting a statewide shift towards greater racial and ethnic diversity. Waddell's median income of $69,083 in 2022 is slightly lower than Connecticut's overall median household income, which was around $83,000 in the same year. This suggests that while the neighborhood is relatively prosperous, it may face some economic challenges compared to the state average. The demographic shifts in Waddell mirror trends seen in many inner-ring suburbs across the United States, where increasing diversity is often accompanied by changes in local economic structures and community dynamics.
In conclusion, Waddell has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality. This transition reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. While the neighborhood has experienced some economic fluctuations, it has maintained a relatively stable median income, suggesting a degree of economic resilience in the face of demographic change. These shifts present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and economic development in the coming years.
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