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Demographic Transition in Mooney Neighborhood: From White Majority to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Mooney neighborhood in Visalia, California, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. It transitioned from a White majority community to a Majority-Minority area with a Hispanic plurality. As of 2022, the Hispanic population comprises 53% of the neighborhood, while the White population represents 40%. The median income in 2022 was $48,912, indicating moderate economic stability. Mooney is a commercial corridor in Visalia, featuring various retail establishments and restaurants.
The demographic shift in Mooney is characterized by a consistent growth of the Hispanic population from 36% in 2013 to 53% in 2022. Conversely, the White population decreased from 53% in 2013 to 40% in 2022. Throughout this period, Mooney maintained moderate diversity, with Hispanic and White populations representing significant portions of the community. The Asian population, while smaller, fluctuated, peaking at 7% in 2019 before declining to 6% in 2022.
Economic trends in Mooney show considerable volatility in median income over the decade. The lowest median income of $31,857 was recorded in 2017, coinciding with the transition to a Majority-Minority community. However, since 2017, there has been an overall upward trend in median income, reaching $48,912 in 2022. This suggests economic resilience alongside increasing diversity. The population remained relatively stable between 2,000 to 2,500 residents throughout the decade.
The demographic changes observed in Mooney align with broader trends seen in many California communities, reflecting increasing diversity and a growing Hispanic population. The transition from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority community mirrors statewide demographic changes, as California became a majority-minority state in the early 2000s.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the dip in median income around 2017, may reflect broader economic challenges faced by transitioning communities. However, the subsequent recovery and overall income growth suggest resilience and adaptation to changing demographics.
The stability in population size, despite significant demographic shifts, indicates that Mooney has likely experienced internal changes rather than large-scale population movements. This suggests a gradual transformation of the neighborhood's character, potentially influenced by factors such as generational changes, evolving economic opportunities, and the area's commercial nature.
Mooney exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly White community to a diverse, Majority-Minority area with a strong Hispanic presence. These changes, coupled with economic fluctuations and eventual growth, reflect the dynamic nature of urban demographics and the ongoing evolution of American communities in response to broader societal trends.
