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Demographic Transition in 21st Century Neighborhood: From Majority-Minority to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The 21st Century neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has experienced significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. As of 2022, it is categorized as a "White Majority" community with a median income of $46,509. The neighborhood has transitioned from a diverse community to one with a clear racial majority. The population size has remained relatively stable at around 600 residents throughout the decade.
From 2013 to 2015, the neighborhood shifted from a "Black Plurality" community to a "Majority-Minority" status. The percentage of African American residents increased from 48% to 54% during this period. However, a significant shift occurred between 2019 and 2022, transforming the area into a "White Majority" neighborhood. The percentage of white residents rose from 42% in 2019 to 64% in 2022, while the Black population decreased from 47% to 18%.
The neighborhood experienced a "Transitional Community" phase, evidenced by an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, from 1% in 2019 to 14% in 2022. This trend indicates growing complexity in racial identities within the community. The median income has shown a general upward trend, increasing from $43,503 in 2013 to $46,509 in 2022, with a notable dip to $28,126 in 2021, possibly due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The overall population has remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 570 in 2013 to 579 in 2022. This stability amid demographic shifts suggests a process of population replacement rather than growth.
The demographic shift in the 21st Century neighborhood contrasts with national trends towards increased diversity in many urban areas. This change may indicate broader socio-economic trends such as gentrification or urban renewal projects. The stable population size coupled with rising incomes suggests an influx of higher-income residents, potentially displacing lower-income minority residents.
The increase in residents identifying as two or more races aligns with national trends, as the multiracial population has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the United States in recent years. However, the rapid decrease in the Black population percentage is noteworthy and may warrant further investigation into local housing policies, economic development initiatives, or other factors driving this change.
In conclusion, the 21st Century neighborhood in Chattanooga has undergone a significant demographic transformation over the past decade, shifting from a diverse, Majority-Minority community to a White Majority area. This change has been accompanied by generally increasing median incomes, suggesting a complex interplay between racial demographics and economic factors. The neighborhood's evolution provides a case study of rapid demographic change in an urban setting, contrasting with broader national trends towards increased diversity in many areas.
