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Demographic Transition and Racial Diversity in Rockwood Neighborhood, Durham
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Rockwood neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a Transitional Community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood displays an equal distribution of White and Black populations at 36% each, with a Hispanic presence of 18%. The median income is $66,212, indicating an increase from the previous decade. Rockwood has transformed from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more racially diverse community in recent years.
Over the past decade, Rockwood has undergone a significant transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having a Black Majority, with 66% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, this had shifted to a state of Moderate Diversity, with the Black population decreasing to 36% and the White population increasing from 20% to 36%. This change represents a move from a Black Majority to a more balanced racial distribution.
The Hispanic population in Rockwood has shown steady growth, increasing from 9% in 2013 to 18% in 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has fluctuated but generally increased, peaking at 15% in 2020 before settling at 8% in 2022. These trends collectively indicate a Transitional Community, with the neighborhood evolving towards greater racial diversity over time.
Alongside these demographic changes, Rockwood has experienced substantial economic growth. The median income has risen from $43,160 in 2013 to $66,212 in 2022, representing a 53% increase over a decade. This economic uplift coincides with the shift towards greater racial diversity, suggesting a possible correlation between increased diversity and economic improvement in the neighborhood.
The most significant increase in median income occurred between 2019 and 2020, rising from $52,021 to $70,857. This period also saw a notable decrease in the Black population percentage and an increase in the White population percentage, potentially indicating a relationship between changing demographics and rising incomes.
The demographic shifts observed in Rockwood align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically Black neighborhoods are experiencing increased racial diversity and gentrification. This trend is often accompanied by rising property values and incomes, as seen in Rockwood.
The economic growth in Rockwood outpaces the national average. The U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), while Rockwood's median income grew by 53% in the same period, indicating a more rapid economic transformation than the national average.
The Hispanic population growth in Rockwood also reflects broader national trends, where the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in many urban areas.
Rockwood exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly Black community to one of Moderate Diversity with improving economic indicators. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges, potentially offering increased economic prosperity while also raising questions about maintaining community cohesion and addressing potential displacement of long-term residents. The neighborhood's evolution provides a microcosm of broader demographic and economic shifts occurring in many urban areas across the United States.
