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Demographic Transition in Ocean City's Boardwalk/Inlet: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Ocean City's Boardwalk/Inlet neighborhood is categorized as a "Low Diversity" area with a "White Majority," as the white population comprises 76% of the community in 2022. The area shows signs of transitioning towards a more diverse composition. The neighborhood has experienced fluctuations in median income over the past decade, with the most recent figure of $54,151 in 2022 representing a modest increase from previous years. As a popular coastal resort town, Ocean City's Boardwalk/Inlet area likely experiences significant seasonal population fluctuations due to tourism, which may influence its demographic and economic trends.
From 2013 to 2022, the Boardwalk/Inlet neighborhood has undergone a gradual transition from an area of extremely low diversity to one showing signs of increasing diversity, though it still falls under the "Low Diversity" category. In 2013, the area could be classified as having "Extremely Low Diversity" with a 98% white population. Over the decade, there has been a consistent decrease in the white population percentage, reaching 76% by 2022.
The most significant change has been the growth of the Hispanic population, from 0% in 2013 to 21% in 2022. This shift indicates that the neighborhood is becoming a "Transitional Community," with the Hispanic population showing a clear upward trend over the past five years. While still maintaining a "White Majority," the area is moving towards potentially becoming a "Moderate Diversity" community if current trends continue.
The median income in the Boardwalk/Inlet area has fluctuated over the decade, with no clear long-term upward or downward trend. The highest recorded median income was $59,901 in 2014, while the lowest was $42,599 in 2019. The period of increased diversity (2019-2022) coincides with a recovery in median income from its lowest point, rising to $54,151 in 2022.
The population has grown modestly over the decade, from 1,189 in 2013 to 1,367 in 2022, representing a 15% increase. This population growth, combined with the increasing diversity, suggests that the area may be attracting new residents from various backgrounds.
The demographic shifts observed in Ocean City's Boardwalk/Inlet neighborhood align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many communities across the United States. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide pattern of Hispanic population growth and dispersion to new areas, including smaller towns and tourist destinations.
The economic fluctuations seen in this neighborhood may be influenced by its nature as a tourist destination. Seasonal employment and the broader economic impacts of tourism can lead to income volatility. The recent upward trend in median income, coinciding with increased diversity, could suggest that the diversification of the community is bringing new economic opportunities or reflecting broader economic improvements in the area.
Ocean City's Boardwalk/Inlet neighborhood remains predominantly white, but it is showing clear signs of transitioning towards greater diversity, primarily driven by Hispanic population growth. This demographic shift, coupled with recent improvements in median income, suggests a community in flux, potentially moving towards a more diverse and economically stable future. The area's unique characteristics as a coastal resort town likely play a significant role in shaping these trends and may continue to influence its demographic and economic evolution in the coming years.
