Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Chaffee Neighborhood: From Low to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Chaffee neighborhood in Huntsville, Alabama, has transitioned from a low diversity to a moderately diverse community between 2013 and 2022. The white population decreased from 74% to 57%, while the Black population increased from 15% to 24%, and the Hispanic population doubled from 4% to 8%. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races also increased from 4% to 8% during this period.
The demographic shifts in Chaffee occurred alongside changes in median income. The median income decreased from $59,912 in 2013 to $52,474 in 2022, representing a 12.4% decline over the decade. The population remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 5,042 in 2013 to 5,450 in 2022.
The demographic changes observed in Chaffee align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past few decades.
The decline in median income in Chaffee contrasts with the general trend of income growth in many U.S. metropolitan areas. This could be related to the changing demographics or local economic factors specific to Huntsville or the defense and aerospace industries associated with Redstone Arsenal.
The stability in population size amid increasing diversity suggests that Chaffee is likely experiencing in-migration of diverse populations alongside possible out-migration of some long-term residents. This pattern is common in transitioning suburbs across the United States.
Chaffee represents a microcosm of demographic change occurring in many American suburbs. Its transition from a low-diversity to a moderately diverse community, coupled with economic challenges, reflects the complex dynamics of racial and economic integration in suburban America. The neighborhood's proximity to major government and scientific facilities adds an additional layer of interest to its evolving demographic profile.
