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Demographic Transition in Old Towne, Moline: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Old Towne neighborhood in Moline, Illinois, has undergone a significant demographic transition from 2013 to 2022. In 2013, Old Towne was categorized as a "White Majority" community with 62% White and 36% Hispanic residents. By 2022, it had transitioned to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with Hispanic residents becoming the largest group at 47% and White residents decreasing to 43%. This shift indicates a trend towards increasing diversity and classifies Old Towne as a "Transitional Community."
The Hispanic population has shown consistent growth, increasing from 36% in 2013 to 47% in 2022. The White population has decreased from 62% to 43%. Other racial groups have also seen small increases, contributing to the neighborhood's diversification. The median income in Old Towne has fluctuated over the past decade, with no clear trend. In 2013, the median income was $49,759, and it remained relatively stable until 2020 when it dropped to $42,775. There was a recovery in 2021 to $51,357, but it fell again in 2022 to $44,547. These fluctuations suggest economic instability in the area.
The population of Old Towne has declined overall, from 3,618 in 2013 to 3,272 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with the changing racial composition, could indicate that some long-term White residents may be moving out while new Hispanic residents are moving in, possibly due to changing economic opportunities or housing affordability.
The demographic shift observed in Old Towne aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide demographic change, where Hispanic communities are becoming more prominent in various regions. The economic fluctuations in Old Towne, particularly the significant drop in median income in 2020, likely reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected communities across the country.
The transition from a White Majority to a more diverse community with a growing Hispanic population is a pattern seen in many Midwestern cities, as traditional industrial areas undergo demographic and economic transformations. This shift often brings both opportunities and challenges, including the need for culturally responsive services, potential language barriers, and changes in local businesses to cater to a more diverse population.
Old Towne in Moline is experiencing a significant demographic transition, moving towards greater diversity with a growing Hispanic population. These changes are occurring against a backdrop of economic fluctuations, which may be both a cause and effect of the demographic shifts. As the community continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these changes impact local institutions, community cohesion, and economic opportunities for all residents.
