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Demographic Transition in Southside / St. Teresa: From Black Majority to Diverse Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Southside / St. Teresa neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, has transitioned from a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority to a Majority-Minority community with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 57% of the neighborhood, while other minority groups collectively make up a significant portion of the remaining population. The area has experienced substantial economic growth, with median income rising from $22,009 in 2017 to $46,773 in 2022, indicating a period of rapid development and potentially gentrification. This neighborhood is historically significant in Durham, known for its strong African American heritage and community ties.
Over the past decade, Southside / St. Teresa has undergone a notable transition from a Low Diversity community with a clear Black Majority to its current Majority-Minority status with a Black Plurality. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the Black population constituting 71% of residents. This demographic makeup remained relatively stable until 2017, with the Black population reaching 80%.
From 2018 onward, a significant shift began. The percentage of Black residents steadily decreased, falling from 75% in 2018 to 57% in 2022. Concurrently, there was a notable increase in the White population, rising from 10% in 2018 to 21% in 2022. The Hispanic population also saw modest growth, increasing from 11% to 14% during this period. This evolution suggests a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts correlate strongly with economic changes in the neighborhood. The median income saw a dramatic increase, particularly from 2017 to 2022. In 2017, the median income was $22,009, but by 2022 it had more than doubled to $46,773. This substantial income growth coincides with the influx of White residents and the relative decrease in the Black population percentage.
The population of the neighborhood also grew significantly during this period, from 2,796 in 2017 to 4,121 in 2022, an increase of nearly 50%. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes and changing demographics, suggests a period of rapid development and likely gentrification in the area.
The trends observed in Southside / St. Teresa mirror broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods experiencing revitalization and gentrification. The rapid increase in median income and the influx of White residents are often indicators of neighborhood change that can bring both opportunities and challenges for long-time residents.
Compared to national trends, the speed and magnitude of change in this neighborhood are noteworthy. The economic growth in this neighborhood outpaces national averages. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2017 and 2021 (adjusted for inflation), Southside / St. Teresa saw an increase of over 100% in the same period, indicating a transformative economic shift.
These changes present both opportunities and challenges for the community. While increased investment and rising incomes can bring improved infrastructure and services, they also risk displacing long-time residents and altering the neighborhood's cultural character. The community's transition from Low Diversity to Majority-Minority status reflects broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas, but the rapid nature of this change may require careful management to preserve community cohesion and ensure equitable development.
