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Demographic Transition in Sandia: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Sandia neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, demonstrates a demographic composition transitioning from a "White Majority" to a more diverse population. In 2022, 54% of the population identified as white, while the combined minority population has grown significantly over the past decade. The neighborhood's median income was $68,788 in 2022, indicating a middle to upper-middle-class economic profile. Sandia's proximity to the Sandia Mountains may influence its desirability and demographic composition.
Over the past decade, Sandia has shifted from a predominantly white area towards a more diverse community. The white population decreased from 61% in 2013 to 54% in 2022. Concurrently, the Hispanic population increased from 29% in 2013 to 40% in 2022. This trend suggests a transition towards either a "Majority-Minority" status or a "Moderate Diversity" classification. The increase in the Hispanic population, along with slight increases in Black and multi-racial residents, indicates a "Transitional Community" status.
The median income in Sandia has fluctuated between $60,000 and $70,000 over the years. A significant drop occurred from $71,848 in 2013 to $59,057 in 2015, coinciding with the early stages of demographic shifts. Income levels have since rebounded and stabilized, reaching $68,788 in 2022. This economic resilience suggests that demographic changes have not led to a decline in the neighborhood's overall economic status.
The demographic shifts in Sandia align with broader trends seen across many urban and suburban areas in the United States, where increasing diversity is becoming common. The growth of the Hispanic population mirrors statewide trends in New Mexico, which has one of the highest proportions of Hispanic residents in the country.
Sandia's ability to maintain a relatively high median income while undergoing significant demographic changes distinguishes it from some areas where rapid demographic shifts have been accompanied by economic challenges or gentrification pressures.
The neighborhood's population has decreased from 2,150 in 2013 to 1,676 in 2022, potentially indicating a trend towards smaller household sizes or reflecting broader migration patterns affecting the Albuquerque area. This population decrease, coupled with stable income levels and increasing diversity, suggests a complex interplay of factors shaping the neighborhood's evolution.
Sandia represents a community in transition, moving from a predominantly white area to one of increasing diversity, particularly driven by growth in the Hispanic population. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its economic status through this transition could serve as a case study in successful integration and community development in the face of changing demographics.
