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Demographic Transition in Hartley: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Hartley neighborhood in Lincoln, Nebraska, exhibits a demographic profile classified as a "White Majority" community, with 64% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The neighborhood has a median income of $48,493 and a population of 5,621 as of 2022. Hartley is characterized by its historic charm, featuring early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets.
Over the past decade, Hartley has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Low Diversity," with white residents comprising 72% of the population. By 2022, while still maintaining a "White Majority," the community has shifted towards "Moderate Diversity." The Hispanic population increased from 12% in 2013 to 15% in 2022, with a peak of 20% in 2018. The Black population more than doubled, rising from 5% to 11% over the same period. The Asian population grew from 4% to 6%.
The demographic shifts in Hartley have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $46,728 to $48,493. This growth was not linear, with significant dips observed in 2014 and 2015, coinciding with the initial stages of increased racial diversity. Between 2015 and 2016, as the community became more diverse, there was a notable increase in median income from $42,257 to $48,081.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations, indicating that the demographic changes are likely due to a combination of existing residents moving out and new, more diverse residents moving in, rather than significant overall population growth.
The trends observed in Hartley align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions, particularly in historically white-majority areas near city centers. The growth in Hispanic and Black populations in Hartley mirrors national trends of increasing diversity in midsize cities.
Hartley's economic trajectory appears more stable compared to national averages. While many urban areas saw more dramatic income increases over the same period, Hartley's modest growth suggests a more gradual economic transition accompanying its demographic changes.
Hartley represents a microcosm of demographic evolution occurring in many American neighborhoods. Its transition from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" with a persisting "White Majority" reflects a gradual but steady shift towards a more multicultural community. The economic stability amid these changes suggests a relatively smooth integration process, though continued monitoring of income trends in relation to demographic shifts will be crucial for understanding the long-term impacts of this transition on the neighborhood's socio-economic fabric.
