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Demographic Transition in Hampton Park Terrace: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Hampton Park Terrace in Charleston, South Carolina, has transitioned from a moderately diverse community to a predominantly White neighborhood over the past decade. As of 2022, the area is characterized by a White majority with a median income of $93,098. This neighborhood, known for its early 20th-century architecture and tree-lined streets, has experienced significant demographic shifts that have influenced its economic status.
The demographic composition of Hampton Park Terrace has changed markedly from 2013 to 2022. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited moderate diversity, with a population consisting of 56% White and 38% Black residents. By 2022, the White population increased to 69%, while the Black population decreased to 28%. The Hispanic population showed a slight increase from 2% to 3% during this period. Other racial groups, including Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations, maintained minimal representation throughout the decade.
The demographic shifts in Hampton Park Terrace correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $67,628. As the White population percentage increased, the median income rose, reaching a peak of $100,837 in 2014 when the White population first became a majority at 61%. Despite fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a significant increase in median income, settling at $93,098 in 2022.
The population of Hampton Park Terrace has fluctuated over the years, from a high of 1,016 in 2010 to a low of 618 in 2015. The current population of 699 in 2022 suggests a stabilization after these fluctuations, possibly indicating that the neighborhood has reached a new equilibrium in terms of its demographic and economic composition.
The trends observed in Hampton Park Terrace align with broader patterns of gentrification seen in many historic urban neighborhoods across the United States. The increase in the White population percentage and median income is often associated with the renovation of older homes and the influx of higher-income residents, drawn by the charm and potential of historic districts.
Charleston, as a whole, has experienced significant growth and gentrification in recent years, particularly in its historic areas. The changes in Hampton Park Terrace reflect this larger trend, where increased property values and changing neighborhood characteristics can lead to demographic shifts.
The median household income in Hampton Park Terrace ($93,098 in 2022) is higher than the national median income (approximately $70,784 in 2021), indicating that this neighborhood has become an affluent enclave within Charleston. This economic status, combined with its historic character, likely contributes to its attractiveness for higher-income, predominantly White residents.
Hampton Park Terrace has evolved from a Moderately Diverse community to a White Majority neighborhood over the past decade, accompanied by a substantial increase in median income. These changes reflect broader trends of urban gentrification but also highlight the unique appeal of this historic Charleston neighborhood. The transition raises questions about housing affordability, community preservation, and the balance between economic development and maintaining diverse, inclusive neighborhoods.
