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Demographic Stability and Economic Change in Pico-Lowell: A Predominantly Hispanic Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Pico-Lowell neighborhood in Santa Ana, California, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity and a strong Hispanic majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 9,329 with a median income of $70,555. Pico-Lowell has maintained a stable racial composition over the past decade, with an overwhelming Hispanic majority despite broader trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas across the United States.
From 2013 to 2022, Pico-Lowell has consistently fallen under the "Low Diversity" category. The Hispanic population has comprised between 97% and 99% of the total population throughout this period. Minor fluctuations have occurred in other racial groups, particularly among Asian and White residents, but these changes have not exceeded 2% of the population. The neighborhood has not shown signs of transitioning to a more diverse composition, maintaining its status as a predominantly Hispanic enclave.
Despite stable racial demographics, Pico-Lowell has experienced significant economic changes. The median income has increased from $56,143 in 2013 to $70,555 in 2022, representing a 25.7% increase. This growth suggests an improving economic situation for residents, potentially indicating upward mobility within the Hispanic community or the attraction of higher-income Hispanic residents to the area.
The population has fluctuated, peaking at 11,855 in 2016 and declining to 9,329 by 2022. This population decrease, coupled with rising incomes, could suggest a gentrification process where some lower-income residents are being displaced by higher-income individuals within the same ethnic group.
The stability of Pico-Lowell's Hispanic majority contrasts with national trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas. The economic improvements in Pico-Lowell align with broader trends of economic recovery and growth following the 2008 financial crisis. However, the 25.7% increase in median income over 9 years outpaces the national average wage growth of 2-3% annually during this period.
The population decline in recent years, despite rising incomes, contrasts with many growing urban areas. This could be related to housing trends in California, where housing shortages and high costs have led to population shifts, even in improving economic conditions.
Pico-Lowell presents a case of demographic stability coupled with significant economic change. This combination challenges common narratives about diversity and gentrification, suggesting that economic improvements can occur within a stable ethnic enclave. The neighborhood's evolution raises questions about community resilience, cultural preservation, and the relationship between ethnic homogeneity and economic development in urban settings.
