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Demographic Transition in Southside, Manchester: From Low Diversity to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Southside neighborhood of Manchester, New Hampshire, is categorized as having "Low Diversity" with a White Majority as of 2022, with the white population comprising 71% of residents. The neighborhood shows signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. The median income in 2022 was $73,897, indicating a relatively affluent area. Southside is located near the Merrimack River, which has been significant in the area's development.
Over the past decade, Southside has transitioned from an area of extremely low diversity to one that is becoming increasingly diverse, while still maintaining a White Majority. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having "Low Diversity" with 93% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, the white population had decreased to 71%, though still in the "Low Diversity" category.
The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 1% in 2013 to 19% in 2022. This shift indicates that Southside is becoming a "Transitional Community," with the Hispanic population showing a consistent upward trend over the last five years. The Asian population has also grown, increasing from 2% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, contributing to the overall diversification of the neighborhood.
The median income in Southside has fluctuated over the past decade. In 2013, it was $70,631, peaking at $75,909 in 2014, then dropping to $65,451 in 2016. Since then, it has generally increased, reaching $78,568 in 2021 before decreasing to $73,897 in 2022. The periods of highest income coincided with times when the white population was around 89% and 75% respectively, suggesting that initial stages of diversification may have corresponded with economic growth. As diversity has continued to increase, incomes have remained relatively stable.
The population of Southside has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 4,700 and 5,200 residents. This suggests that demographic changes are likely due to a combination of existing residents moving out and new, more diverse residents moving in, rather than significant overall population growth.
The diversification trend in Southside aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide demographic shift. The rate of change in Southside appears to be more rapid than the national average, suggesting local factors may be accelerating this transition.
The median income in Southside remains above the national median, indicating that despite demographic changes, the neighborhood has maintained its economic status. This could suggest that new diverse residents moving into the area are relatively affluent, potentially indicating a trend of "suburban diversity" where middle-class and upper-middle-class minority families are choosing to settle in traditionally white suburban areas.
Southside remains a predominantly white neighborhood but is clearly transitioning towards greater diversity. This change is occurring without significant economic disruption, potentially indicating a harmonious integration of new residents into the existing community structure.
