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Demographic Transition in Sunbeam Neighborhood: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Sunbeam neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 8,083 with a median income of $70,830. Sunbeam has undergone a rapid transition from a predominantly white area to one with increasing racial diversity over the past decade, accompanied by significant economic fluctuations.
In 2013, Sunbeam was classified as having a "White Majority," with 70% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, the white population decreased to 56%, no longer constituting a majority. This shift places Sunbeam in the "Moderate Diversity" category, with notable representations from White (56%), Hispanic (12%), and Black (12%) populations. The Asian population increased from 1% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, suggesting Sunbeam could be categorized as a "Transitional Community."
The demographic shifts in Sunbeam have been accompanied by economic trends. The median income decreased from $61,549 in 2013 to $53,071 in 2016, coinciding with the period of most rapid demographic change. Since 2016, there has been a steady increase in median income, reaching $70,830 in 2022. This economic recovery and growth occurred alongside the increasing diversity of the neighborhood.
The population of Sunbeam has remained relatively stable over the decade, with some fluctuations. Despite the economic downturn in the mid-2010s, the population did not see a significant decline, suggesting other factors may have sustained the community's appeal.
The trends observed in Sunbeam reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen similar transitions in formerly majority-white neighborhoods, often driven by factors such as immigration, changing housing preferences, and economic opportunities.
The economic trajectory of Sunbeam, with its mid-decade dip followed by strong recovery, might be indicative of broader economic trends in the Jacksonville area or Florida as a whole. The substantial increase in the Asian population could suggest that Sunbeam has become an attractive destination for Asian immigrants or Asian-Americans moving from other parts of the country, possibly due to job opportunities or quality of life factors.
Sunbeam presents a case study of a neighborhood in transition. Its evolution from a White Majority area to one of Moderate Diversity, coupled with its economic resilience and growth, suggests a dynamic and changing community. As Sunbeam continues to diversify, it will be interesting to observe how these demographic shifts further impact the local economy, community dynamics, and overall character of the neighborhood.
