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Demographic Transition in Bluff Heights: From White Majority to Diverse Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Bluff Heights, a neighborhood in Long Beach, California, has transitioned from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority community with a White Plurality between 2013 and 2022. The white population decreased from 69% to 51% during this period. As of 2022, Bluff Heights has a median income of $77,133, indicating its relative affluence within Long Beach.
The Hispanic population in Bluff Heights experienced the most significant growth, increasing from 13% in 2013 to 27% in 2022. The Asian population fluctuated, peaking at 12% in 2019 before returning to 8% in 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable, varying between 6% and 11% throughout the decade. These changes suggest a trend towards increased diversity in the neighborhood.
The economic trends in Bluff Heights correlate with its demographic shifts. The median income increased from $69,115 in 2013 to $77,133 in 2022, representing an 11.6% growth over the decade. This growth was not consistent, with a notable peak of $87,674 in 2021 before decreasing in 2022. The overall increase in median income coincided with the diversification of the community.
The demographic changes in Bluff Heights align with broader trends observed in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population, reflects national demographic patterns. However, the relatively high median income and its growth over the decade suggest that Bluff Heights may be experiencing a form of gentrification or economic uplift not universally seen in diversifying neighborhoods.
The maintenance of a significant white plurality alongside increasing diversity is noteworthy. This may indicate that Bluff Heights is balancing long-term residents with newcomers. The neighborhood's historic character and desirable location within Long Beach may contribute to attracting a diverse range of middle to upper-middle-class residents.
Bluff Heights exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, evolving from a predominantly white community to a more diverse, Majority-Minority area. This shift, combined with overall economic growth, suggests a dynamic urban landscape that reflects broader demographic changes while maintaining its unique local character.
