Demographic Transition in Taylor Ranch: A Study of Hispanic Growth and Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Taylor Ranch, a neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has transitioned from a moderately diverse community to a majority-minority area with a Hispanic plurality between 2013 and 2022. The neighborhood's population in 2022 was 24,144 with a median income of $71,367. Taylor Ranch is situated near the Sandia Mountains and Petroglyph National Monument.
The demographic composition of Taylor Ranch has changed significantly over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood had moderate diversity with an equal distribution of Hispanic and White populations at 45% each. By 2022, it had become a majority-minority community with Hispanics comprising 54% of the population. The White population decreased from 45% in 2013 to 35% in 2022. There were minor increases in Asian, Black, and Native American populations.
The median income in Taylor Ranch has fluctuated over the years. In 2013, it was $73,242. It decreased slightly to $72,711 in 2017, then peaked at $83,227 in 2021 before declining to $71,367 in 2022. The peak in median income in 2021 coincided with a significant increase in the Hispanic population to 52% and a decrease in the White population to 39%. The subsequent drop in median income occurred as the Hispanic majority further increased.
The population of Taylor Ranch has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 23,000 and 24,500 residents over the decade. This stability suggests that the demographic changes are more likely due to shifting racial compositions within the existing population rather than large-scale migration.
The demographic shifts in Taylor Ranch are consistent with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in the Southwest. The growing Hispanic population aligns with national trends, as the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the country.
The median income in Taylor Ranch has consistently remained above the national median household income, which was $67,521 in 2020. This suggests that despite demographic changes, the neighborhood has maintained its economic standing. However, the recent drop in median income in 2022 may reflect broader economic challenges or shifts in the local job market.
The transition to a majority-minority community in Taylor Ranch aligns with projections for the United States as a whole, which is expected to become a majority-minority nation in the coming decades. Taylor Ranch's evolution may serve as a microcosm for these larger demographic shifts, offering insights into how communities adapt to changing racial compositions while maintaining economic stability.
Taylor Ranch exemplifies a transitional community, evolving from moderate diversity to a majority-minority status with a strong Hispanic plurality. This demographic shift has occurred alongside fluctuating but generally stable economic conditions, reflecting both local dynamics and broader national trends in urban demographic evolution.
