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Demographic Shifts in Woodhaven: From Black Majority to Emerging Hispanic Presence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Woodhaven, a neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, exhibits characteristics of a Racial Majority community with a predominant Black population of 67% in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced demographic and economic changes over the past decade. As of 2022, Woodhaven had a population of 2,037 with a median income of $50,539. Woodhaven has seen an increase in its Hispanic population in recent years, potentially indicating the beginnings of a Transitional Community.
From 2013 to 2022, Woodhaven has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The percentage of Black residents has fluctuated, peaking at 72% in 2019-2020 before declining to 67% in 2022. This shift coincides with an increase in the Hispanic population, which grew from 15% in 2020 to 24% in 2022. The White population has seen a decline, from 20% in 2017 to 6% in 2022. The community has experienced a slight increase in residents identifying as two or more races, rising from 1% in 2020 to 3% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Woodhaven have been accompanied by economic changes. The median income has increased from $35,970 in 2013 to $50,539 in 2022, representing a 40% increase over the decade. This growth was pronounced between 2019 and 2020, with the median income increasing from $37,653 to $50,512. The population has grown from 1,476 in 2013 to 2,037 in 2022, a 38% increase. The correlation between the increasing Hispanic population and rising median income is notable.
The demographic changes in Woodhaven reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally African American neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of Hispanic residents. This trend is often associated with changing urban dynamics, including gentrification and shifting economic opportunities.
The increase in median income in Woodhaven outpaces the national average income growth over the same period, which was approximately 25% from 2013 to 2022. This suggests that Woodhaven may be experiencing more rapid economic development compared to national averages. The growth in the Hispanic population in Woodhaven (from 15% to 24% in two years) is more pronounced than national trends. Nationally, the Hispanic population grew by about 1-2 percentage points during a similar timeframe.
Woodhaven is undergoing a demographic and economic transformation. While it remains a Black Majority community, the growth of the Hispanic population and increases in median income point to a neighborhood in transition. These changes could lead to opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and local development in the coming years.
