Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Pecan Ridge: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Pecan Ridge, a neighborhood in Bryan, Texas, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Transitional Community" with "Moderate Diversity." As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 789 residents, with a median income of $57,167. The neighborhood's racial composition has shifted significantly over the past decade, reflecting broader demographic changes occurring in many Texas urban areas.
In 2013, Pecan Ridge was classified as having "Low Diversity" with a "White Majority" (72% white). Over the following decade, the neighborhood underwent a significant transformation. By 2022, the white population decreased to 53%, barely maintaining a majority status. This shift has been primarily driven by an increase in the Hispanic population, which grew from 16% in 2013 to 37% in 2022. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 5% and 13% over the years. The category of "Two or More Races" emerged in recent years, reaching 3% by 2022, further contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity.
The median income in Pecan Ridge has fluctuated over the years, showing no clear trend. In 2013, the median income was $67,122, and by 2022 it had decreased to $57,167. There were significant fluctuations in between, with the highest median income of $68,724 recorded in 2019. The periods of higher diversity seem to correlate with lower median incomes. As the Hispanic population grew significantly between 2020 and 2022, the median income dropped from $57,196 to $57,167. This could suggest that the increasing diversity is partly driven by an influx of working-class Hispanic families.
The population of Pecan Ridge has grown steadily over the decade, from 499 in 2013 to 789 in 2022, representing a 58% increase. This population growth, combined with the changing racial composition, indicates that the neighborhood is attracting new residents, particularly from Hispanic backgrounds.
The demographic shifts observed in Pecan Ridge align with broader trends seen across Texas and many parts of the United States. Texas has been experiencing rapid Hispanic population growth. The state's Hispanic population increased by 39.3% between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The economic fluctuations in Pecan Ridge, particularly the slight decline in median income, may reflect broader economic challenges faced by many American communities. However, the continued population growth suggests that despite these challenges, the neighborhood remains an attractive place to live.
Pecan Ridge exemplifies the demographic changes occurring in many American neighborhoods, particularly in Texas. Its transition from a predominantly white community to one of increasing diversity, driven largely by Hispanic population growth, reflects wider societal shifts. As this transition continues, it will be important to monitor how these demographic changes influence local economic conditions, community dynamics, and potentially, local policies and services to ensure they meet the evolving needs of this changing population.
