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Demographic Transition in Myers Park/Beechgrove: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Myers Park/Beechgrove neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. Initially categorized as a "Low Diversity" community, it has transitioned to a "Moderate Diversity" status. In 2013, the white population constituted 52% of the neighborhood. By 2019, this percentage increased to 84%, solidifying its "White Majority" status. However, by 2022, the white population decreased to 62%, while the black population rose to 16%, and those identifying as two or more races increased to 16%.
The neighborhood's economic status has remained high throughout this period, despite some fluctuations. The median income peaked at $134,788 in 2021 before returning to $109,145 in 2022. Notably, the period of lowest diversity in 2019 coincided with a decrease in median income to $99,817. As diversity increased in recent years, the median income stabilized at a high level.
The population of Myers Park/Beechgrove has decreased from 736 in 2013 to 564 in 2022. This population decline, combined with increasing diversity and maintained high income levels, suggests a potential influx of affluent minority families replacing some previous white residents.
The trends observed in Myers Park/Beechgrove align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in affluent suburbs. Many traditionally white, high-income neighborhoods across the United States have experienced similar demographic shifts over the past decade. This trend often reflects changing socioeconomic patterns among minority groups, particularly among Asian and Black professionals.
The maintained high income levels despite increasing diversity challenges the historical correlation between neighborhood racial composition and economic status. It suggests that Myers Park/Beechgrove may be attracting high-earning individuals from diverse backgrounds, possibly due to factors such as job opportunities in nearby industries or the reputation of local schools.
Myers Park/Beechgrove presents a case study of a high-income neighborhood transitioning from low to moderate diversity while maintaining its economic status. This evolution reflects broader national trends towards increased diversity in affluent areas and suggests a changing landscape of opportunity and integration in American suburbs.
