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Demographic Shifts in Willowbrook: From High Diversity to Black Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Willowbrook, a neighborhood in Houston, Texas, currently represents a Moderate Diversity community with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 27,066 and a median income of $63,657. Willowbrook has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more balanced racial composition to one where Black residents now form the largest group, though not a majority.
In 2013, Willowbrook exhibited High Diversity, with no racial group exceeding 40% of the population and at least three groups (White, Black, and Hispanic) having significant representation over 10%. However, over the past decade, the neighborhood has transitioned to a Moderate Diversity classification with a Black Plurality. The most notable changes include a steady decline in the White population from 30% in 2013 to 15% in 2022, an increase in the Black population from 19% in 2013 to 37% in 2022, relative stability in the Hispanic population, fluctuating between 29-34% throughout the period, and a slight increase in the Asian population from 13% to 14%. This shift suggests a Transitional Community, with significant changes in racial makeup over the defined period, indicating a trend towards increasing representation of Black residents while experiencing a decrease in the White population.
The median income in Willowbrook has fluctuated over the past decade, showing no clear upward or downward trend. In 2013, the median income was $62,808, and in 2022 it was $63,657, indicating relative stability despite the demographic changes. However, there were notable fluctuations, including a peak in median income of $66,937 in 2015, a decline to a low of $57,758 in 2019, and a recovery and slight increase in recent years. These economic trends suggest that the demographic shifts have not significantly altered the overall economic status of the neighborhood. The stability in median income amid demographic changes could indicate that incoming residents have similar economic profiles to those leaving, or that economic opportunities in the area have remained relatively constant despite the changing racial composition.
The demographic shifts observed in Willowbrook align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where increasing diversity and changes in racial composition are common. The transition from a more evenly distributed racial makeup to one with a Black Plurality is reflective of patterns seen in other parts of Houston and similar metropolitan areas.
The economic resilience of the neighborhood, as evidenced by the relatively stable median income despite demographic changes, is noteworthy. This stability contrasts with some urban areas where significant demographic shifts are accompanied by more dramatic economic changes.
In conclusion, Willowbrook's evolution over the past decade showcases a community in transition, moving from High Diversity to Moderate Diversity with a Black Plurality. This shift has occurred without major disruptions to the area's economic profile, suggesting a complex interplay of factors influencing both demographic composition and economic stability in this Houston neighborhood.
