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Demographic Transition in South White Rock: From White Plurality to Majority-Minority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South White Rock, a neighborhood in Rancho Cordova, California, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a transitional character. As of 2022, the area has a population of 7,615 and a median income of $56,195. The neighborhood is known for its proximity to the American River and its mix of residential and commercial areas, reflecting the broader suburban character of Rancho Cordova.
Over the past decade, South White Rock has undergone significant demographic changes, transitioning from a White Plurality community to a more diverse, Majority-Minority neighborhood. In 2013, the area displayed a White Plurality (38% white), with significant Asian (16%), Black (19%), and Hispanic (22%) populations. By 2022, the neighborhood had shifted to a Majority-Minority status, with white residents accounting for only 31% of the population, while Black (24%), Hispanic (23%), and Asian (10%) populations collectively formed the majority.
This transition is notable in the increase of the Black population from 19% in 2013 to 24% in 2022, and the Hispanic population from 22% to 23% over the same period. The Asian population decreased from 16% to 10%. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races more than doubled from 4% to 9%, indicating a trend towards increasing diversity and mixed-race households.
The demographic shifts in South White Rock have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $50,855 to $56,195, representing a 10.5% growth over nine years. This growth was not linear. The neighborhood experienced an income spike in 2021, reaching $62,323, before declining in 2022. This spike coincided with an increase in population from 7,187 in 2020 to 7,630 in 2021, suggesting a possible influx of higher-income residents during that period.
The overall population of South White Rock has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. The most significant change was an increase from 7,187 in 2020 to 7,630 in 2021, followed by a slight decrease to 7,615 in 2022. This stability in population, coupled with increasing diversity and modest income growth, suggests a gradual transformation of the neighborhood's socio-economic fabric.
The demographic shifts observed in South White Rock align with broader trends seen in many suburban areas of California and across the United States. The transition to a Majority-Minority status reflects the increasing diversity in American suburbs, particularly in regions near major metropolitan areas. The modest income growth may not have kept pace with the rising cost of living in California, potentially impacting the affordability of the neighborhood for some residents.
The increase in the Black and Hispanic populations, coupled with the decrease in the Asian population, may indicate changing patterns of suburban migration and settlement. This could be influenced by factors such as housing affordability, job opportunities, or community networks. The significant increase in residents identifying as two or more races is consistent with national trends, reflecting growing racial integration and interracial families.
South White Rock has transformed from a moderately diverse neighborhood with a White Plurality to a more diverse, Majority-Minority community over the past decade. This demographic shift, accompanied by modest economic growth, positions the neighborhood as a microcosm of broader suburban demographic changes occurring across California and the United States. The evolving diversity of South White Rock presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and economic development in the coming years.
