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Demographic Transition and Racial Composition in Sandhurst: A Study of Neighborhood Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sandhurst, a neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood's population consists of 57% White, 27% Black, and 10% Hispanic residents. The median income in Sandhurst was $86,845 in 2022, indicating economic prosperity. The neighborhood is characterized by a combination of historic homes and newer developments.
Over the past decade, Sandhurst has experienced significant changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having a "White Majority" with 72% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this had shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" classification. The white population decreased to 57%, while the Black population increased from 24% to 27%, and the Hispanic community grew from 1% to 10%.
This demographic shift suggests that Sandhurst may be categorized as a "Transitional Community." The increase in the Hispanic population is particularly notable, indicating an influx of new residents that has altered the neighborhood's demographic landscape.
Alongside these demographic changes, Sandhurst has experienced substantial economic growth. The median income increased from $67,083 in 2013 to $86,845 in 2022, representing a 29.5% increase. This economic improvement coincides with the diversification of the neighborhood, suggesting a potential relationship between the arrival of new residents and economic opportunities.
The population of Sandhurst has remained relatively stable during this period, fluctuating between approximately 2,400 and 3,100 residents. The stability in population size, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, indicates a process of demographic turnover rather than significant expansion.
The trends observed in Sandhurst are consistent with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increasing diversity, particularly the growth in Hispanic population, reflects national demographic shifts. However, the economic growth in Sandhurst appears to exceed national averages. The median household income in the U.S. grew by approximately 10% between 2013 and 2022, which is considerably less than Sandhurst's 29.5% increase.
The stability of the neighborhood's population size, despite economic growth and increasing diversity, suggests that Sandhurst may be experiencing gentrification or urban renewal. This process often involves the replacement of lower-income residents with higher-income newcomers, which could explain the simultaneous increase in diversity and median income without a significant change in population size.
Sandhurst exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, evolving from a predominantly white community to one of moderate diversity with strong economic growth. This shift aligns with broader national trends towards increased diversity in urban areas but is notable for its rapid economic advancement. As Sandhurst continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect community cohesion, local services, and housing affordability to ensure inclusive growth for all residents.
