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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Beaumont neighborhood in Knoxville, Tennessee, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. It has transitioned from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. As of 2022, the racial composition consists of 45% White, 35% Black, and 15% Hispanic populations. This shift represents a decrease in the White population from 56% in 2013, while the Black population has remained relatively stable between 25% and 39%. The Hispanic population has shown the most notable increase, rising from 4% in 2013 to 15% in 2022.
The demographic changes in Beaumont coincide with fluctuations in median income. The neighborhood experienced significant economic volatility over the past decade. The median income started at $22,451 in 2013, reached a low of $20,596 in 2016, peaked at $34,525 in 2020, and then declined to $29,892 in 2022. The period of increasing diversity generally aligns with an overall trend of rising median incomes, despite year-to-year variations.
Beaumont's transition reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced similar shifts from majority-White to more diverse communities, often driven by growth in Hispanic and Asian populations. The economic volatility observed in Beaumont, particularly the sharp increase and subsequent decrease in median income between 2019 and 2022, may be partly attributed to the nationwide economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The demographic evolution of Beaumont can be characterized as a transition to a "Transitional Community." This change is primarily driven by the growth in the Hispanic population and a relative decline in the White population. Factors contributing to this transition likely include changing housing affordability, employment opportunities, and possibly gentrification pressures in other parts of Knoxville pushing diverse populations into formerly majority-White neighborhoods.
The interplay between demographic shifts and economic trends in Beaumont is complex. The influx of new residents, particularly from the Hispanic community, may be contributing to economic growth in the neighborhood. However, the recent decline in median income from 2020 to 2022 warrants attention and may be related to broader economic challenges or changes in the local job market.
Beaumont's historical significance as one of Knoxville's earliest suburbs, developed in the early 20th century, adds complexity to its ongoing demographic changes. The neighborhood's transition to a more diverse community presents both opportunities and challenges. It may be experiencing a revitalization as new residents move in, potentially bringing new businesses and cultural diversity. However, this transition may also lead to tensions related to changing neighborhood character, potential gentrification pressures, and the need for culturally sensitive community services and infrastructure.
In conclusion, Beaumont's evolution from a White Majority to a Moderate Diversity community, coupled with its economic fluctuations, reflects broader national trends of increasing urban diversity and economic volatility. The neighborhood's historical context adds an additional layer of complexity to these changes, making it a case study in urban demographic and economic evolution.