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Demographic Stability and Economic Growth in Lacy: A Hispanic Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Lacy neighborhood in Santa Ana, California, is characterized as a Hispanic Majority community with Low Diversity. In 2022, the Hispanic population constituted 87% of the area's residents. The neighborhood has experienced moderate economic growth, with the median income increasing from $38,242 in 2013 to $50,232 in 2022. Lacy features a historic downtown area that has been undergoing revitalization efforts in recent years.
From 2013 to 2022, Lacy consistently maintained its status as a Hispanic Majority community. The Hispanic population remained stable, ranging between 87% and 90% of the total population. This consistency indicates an established Hispanic community with strong cultural presence in the area.
The neighborhood has maintained its Low Diversity classification, with minor changes in racial composition. The white population increased slightly from 7% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, and the Asian population grew from 1% to 3% during the same period. These changes suggest a gradual trend towards increased diversity, albeit insufficient to alter the overall categorization.
The median income in Lacy demonstrated a positive trend, rising from $38,242 in 2013 to $50,232 in 2022, a growth of approximately 31% over nine years. This economic improvement coincides with the slight increase in diversity, particularly in the Asian and white populations. The persistence of the Hispanic Majority suggests that this economic growth has likely benefited the existing community rather than causing significant demographic displacement.
The population increased moderately from 5,965 in 2013 to 6,494 in 2022, a growth of about 8.9%. This population increase, combined with rising incomes, may indicate improving economic opportunities within the neighborhood, potentially attracting new residents while retaining the existing community.
The demographic stability of Lacy differs from trends in many urban areas across the United States, where rapid gentrification often leads to significant demographic shifts. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its Hispanic Majority while experiencing economic growth is notable and may reflect successful community preservation efforts or strong cultural ties that resist displacement pressures.
The income growth in Lacy, while positive, still places the neighborhood below the California median household income, which was approximately $78,672 in 2020. This indicates that while the area is experiencing economic improvement, it still faces challenges in reaching broader state-wide prosperity levels.
Lacy presents a case of a stable Hispanic Majority community experiencing gradual economic improvement and slight diversification. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its cultural character while seeing modest economic gains could provide insights into community resilience and the potential for inclusive urban development.
