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Demographic Transition in Maplewood Manor: From White Majority to Black Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Maplewood Manor, a neighborhood in Waterbury, Connecticut, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a Black plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 824, with Black residents comprising 46% and White residents 34%. The median income is $48,410, lower than previous years. Maplewood Manor has undergone significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly White community to its current diverse composition.
In 2013, Maplewood Manor was categorized as a "White Majority" community, with 54% of residents identifying as White. The neighborhood transitioned to a "Moderate Diversity" status over the next few years, with significant representation from White, Black, and Hispanic populations. By 2020, the community shifted to a "Black Plurality," with the Black population becoming the largest group at 44%. This trend continued through 2022, where the Black population reached 46%.
The Hispanic population showed significant fluctuations, peaking at 39% in 2019 before declining to 9% in 2022. This change suggests potential out-migration of Hispanic residents or changes in self-identification. The emergence of a small Asian population (9%) in 2022 further adds to the neighborhood's diversity. These shifts indicate that Maplewood Manor has become a "Transitional Community," with substantial changes in its racial makeup over the past decade.
The median income in Maplewood Manor has shown considerable volatility, correlating with demographic shifts. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general upward trend in median income, peaking at $100,831 in 2019. This period coincided with a more balanced racial distribution. From 2020 onwards, there was a sharp decline in median income, dropping to $48,410 in 2022. This decline aligns with the solidification of the Black plurality and the decrease in the Hispanic population.
The demographic shifts in Maplewood Manor reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The transition from a White majority to a more diverse community with a Black plurality is similar to changes seen in other cities experiencing demographic transitions. The sharp income decline in recent years is more dramatic than national trends and may indicate local economic challenges specific to Waterbury or this neighborhood.
The fluctuation in the Hispanic population, particularly the sharp decline from 2019 to 2022, is noteworthy and may warrant further investigation into local policies, housing market changes, or other factors that could have influenced this demographic shift. Maplewood Manor exemplifies a community in transition, both demographically and economically. The shift from a White majority to a Black plurality, coupled with significant income fluctuations, presents challenges and opportunities for community development and social cohesion.
