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Demographic Transition in Fairmount: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Fairmount neighborhood in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, exhibits a demographic landscape categorized as "Moderate Diversity" with a transitional character. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 4,305 and a median income of $37,583. Fairmount has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade, reflecting shifts in urban demographics and socioeconomic patterns.
In 2013, Fairmount was categorized as a "White Majority" community, with 56% of the population identifying as white. Over the past decade, the neighborhood has transitioned towards greater diversity. By 2022, the white population decreased to 47%, shifting the community from a "White Majority" to a "Moderate Diversity" classification. This transition is marked by the growth of Hispanic and Asian populations, as well as an increase in individuals identifying as two or more races.
The Hispanic population has shown consistent growth, increasing from 30% in 2013 to 29% in 2022, with a peak of 37% in 2021. This trend suggests that Fairmount is becoming a "Transitional Community," with increasing representation from diverse racial groups.
The demographic shifts in Fairmount correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $26,809. As the community became more diverse, there was an initial decline in median income, reaching a low of $23,682 in 2015. However, as diversity continued to increase, the median income began to rise, peaking at $44,067 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $37,583 in 2022.
This trend suggests that while the initial diversification may have coincided with economic challenges, the long-term effect of increased diversity has been associated with overall economic growth in the neighborhood. This pattern aligns with research suggesting that diverse communities can foster economic dynamism and innovation.
The demographic changes in Fairmount reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced similar transitions from majority-white populations to more diverse communities, particularly with growth in Hispanic and Asian populations.
The economic trajectory of Fairmount, with its initial dip followed by significant growth, may indicate a period of adjustment followed by successful integration and economic development. This pattern could offer insights for other communities undergoing similar demographic transitions.
Fairmount's evolution from a "White Majority" to a "Moderate Diversity" community, coupled with its economic resilience and growth, presents a case study of demographic change and its potential impacts on local economies. The neighborhood's journey highlights the interplay between racial diversity, economic development, and community dynamics in contemporary urban America.
