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Demographic Shifts in Wecoba/St. Elmo's: From Low Diversity to White Majority with Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Wecoba/St. Elmo's neighborhood in Columbus, Georgia, currently exhibits a White Majority community with a moderate level of diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 59% of the residents, while Black residents account for 27%. The neighborhood's median income was $39,891 in 2022. St. Elmo's was one of Columbus's earliest suburbs, developed in the late 19th century.
Over the past decade, Wecoba/St. Elmo's has undergone a significant demographic transition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with a white population of 72%. By 2022, it had evolved into a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity. This shift is primarily attributed to a decline in the white population percentage and an increase in Black and Asian residents.
The Black population grew from 19% in 2013 to 27% in 2022, while the Asian population increased from 1% to 6%. This trend indicates a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3% and 8% over the decade.
The demographic shifts correlate with modest economic changes. The median income rose from $35,887 in 2013 to $39,891 in 2022, an increase of about 11%. This growth is relatively modest and may not have kept pace with inflation, suggesting that the neighborhood's economic status has remained relatively stable despite its increasing diversity.
The population has grown steadily, from 1,248 in 2013 to 1,453 in 2022, a 16.4% increase. This population growth, coupled with the diversification of the community, suggests that the neighborhood has become more attractive to a wider range of residents.
The trends observed in Wecoba/St. Elmo's align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many historically white suburbs across the United States have experienced similar demographic shifts over the past decade.
The modest income growth in Wecoba/St. Elmo's is reflective of national trends, where wage growth for middle and working-class families has often lagged behind overall economic growth. The neighborhood's increasing diversity without significant economic upheaval suggests a relatively smooth integration process.
Wecoba/St. Elmo's exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while maintaining a White Majority. This evolution reflects broader national trends towards increased suburban diversity. The community's ability to maintain economic stability while undergoing these changes suggests a degree of resilience and adaptability.
