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Demographic Transition in Pacific South Bay: 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 Pacific South Bay neighborhood in Torrance, California, has transitioned from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, the area's population comprises 44% White, 19% Asian, and 21% Hispanic residents. The neighborhood has a high median income of $131,812, indicating an affluent community. This coastal area is known for its beaches, including Torrance Beach.
Over the past decade, Pacific South Bay has experienced a significant demographic shift. In 2013, the white population constituted 61% of the total, decreasing to 44% by 2022. Concurrently, the Asian population increased from 15% to 19%, and the Hispanic population grew from 18% to 21%. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races saw a notable rise from 3% to 10%.
The demographic changes have occurred alongside economic growth. The median income rose from $116,401 in 2013 to $131,812 in 2022, representing a 13.2% increase. The population remained relatively stable, growing slightly from 6,092 in 2013 to 6,280 in 2022. This suggests a gradual turnover of residents rather than a sudden population influx.
The trends observed in Pacific South Bay align with patterns seen in many suburban areas of major metropolitan regions across the United States. Formerly predominantly white suburbs have been experiencing increased racial and ethnic diversity over recent decades. This trend is often associated with the suburbanization of immigrant populations and younger generations' preference for diverse communities.
The high median income of the area ($131,812 in 2022) is significantly above the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that Pacific South Bay remains an economically privileged area despite its increasing diversity, contrasting with some communities where increasing diversity has been associated with economic challenges.
The stability of the population size amid demographic changes is noteworthy. It suggests that the community has maintained its desirability and potentially its housing stock, even as its racial composition has shifted. This could indicate effective local policies or natural market forces that have allowed for a smooth transition to a more diverse community without significant displacement or rapid growth.
In conclusion, the Pacific South Bay neighborhood exemplifies a transition from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity, while maintaining its economic prosperity. This evolution reflects broader national trends towards increased suburban diversity but stands out for its ability to combine increasing diversity with rising affluence.
