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Demographic Transition in Long Meadow: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Long Meadow, a neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a moderately diverse community to a white majority neighborhood. In 2013, Long Meadow was categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" community with 39% Black and 38% White residents. By 2022, it became a "White Majority" community with 68% of the population identifying as white.
The most substantial change occurred between 2017 and 2022, as the neighborhood shifted from a "White Plurality" status to a "White Majority" community. During this period, the white population increased from 46% to 68%. Concurrently, the Black population decreased significantly, falling from 39% in 2013 to 11% in 2022. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 7% to 12% over the same period.
Economic trends in Long Meadow showed notable fluctuations. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood experienced a general decline in median income, decreasing from $58,550 to $44,698. However, 2020 and 2021 saw a dramatic surge in median income, reaching $126,388 and $120,413 respectively. In 2022, the median income returned to a more moderate $62,379, which remains higher than pre-2020 levels.
The population of Long Meadow remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 800 and 1,000 residents. This suggests that the demographic changes are more likely due to population turnover rather than significant growth or decline.
The demographic shift observed in Long Meadow reflects broader trends of gentrification and urban renewal seen in many American cities. The rapid increase in the white population and decrease in the Black population is similar to patterns observed in other historically diverse urban neighborhoods experiencing revitalization and increased property values.
The economic spike in 2020-2021 could be related to national trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, where some urban areas saw an influx of higher-income residents seeking more space or different living arrangements. The subsequent moderation in 2022 might indicate a partial reversal of this trend or a stabilization of the local housing market.
The increase in residents identifying as two or more races aligns with national trends, as the multiracial population in the United States has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in recent years.
Long Meadow has undergone a significant demographic and economic transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse community to a predominantly white, economically volatile neighborhood. These changes likely reflect broader urban renewal trends and may have implications for community cohesion, local services, and the character of the neighborhood moving forward.
