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Demographic Shifts in Westbrook: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westbrook, a neighborhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, currently exhibits a White Majority demographic profile with a median income of $49,724 as of 2022. The community has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a Low Diversity area to one with Moderate Diversity. Westbrook is known for its historic charm, tree-lined streets, and a mix of architectural styles that reflect its evolution over time.
In 2013, Westbrook was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population comprising 80% of residents. Over the next decade, the neighborhood underwent a gradual transformation. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority at 67%, the community had shifted to Moderate Diversity. This change was primarily driven by an increase in the Black population, which grew from 12% in 2013 to 22% in 2022.
The Hispanic population showed fluctuations, peaking at 19% in 2017 before decreasing to 4% by 2022. This pattern suggests a Transitional Community phase during the mid-2010s, which has since stabilized. The Asian population remained relatively constant, hovering around 2-7% throughout the decade.
The median income in Westbrook has shown considerable volatility over the years, potentially correlating with demographic changes. In 2013, when the area was less diverse, the median income was $60,708. As diversity increased, there was an initial rise in median income, peaking at $64,373 in 2014. However, this was followed by a significant decline, reaching a low of $45,590 in 2017, coinciding with the peak of Hispanic population growth.
Since 2017, the median income has fluctuated, settling at $49,724 in 2022. This represents an overall decrease of about 18% from 2013 levels, adjusted for inflation. The economic volatility may be attributed to the changing demographic composition, with new residents potentially having different income levels or job sectors than long-term residents.
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 735 in 2013 to 1,222 in 2022, a 66% increase. This population growth, coupled with the changing racial composition, suggests that Westbrook has become an increasingly attractive area for diverse groups, potentially due to factors such as affordable housing or improved amenities.
The demographic shifts observed in Westbrook align with broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Black population, reflects a national pattern of suburban diversification. However, the fluctuation in the Hispanic population is somewhat unique and may be influenced by local economic factors or migration patterns specific to Winston-Salem.
The economic volatility experienced in Westbrook is more pronounced than national trends. While the U.S. saw general income growth over this period, Westbrook's median income declined. This divergence might be explained by localized factors such as changes in the Winston-Salem job market or shifts in the neighborhood's housing market.
Westbrook has transformed from a Low Diversity, predominantly white neighborhood to a Moderately Diverse community with a still-significant White Majority. This demographic evolution has been accompanied by economic challenges, as evidenced by the overall decline in median income. The neighborhood's experience highlights the complex interplay between demographic changes and economic outcomes in American communities undergoing transition.
