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Demographic Transition in The Plaza: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Plaza neighborhood in Long Beach, California, currently exhibits a White Plurality demographic composition, with the white population representing 51% of residents in 2022. This reflects a shift from its previous status as a White Majority area earlier in the decade. The neighborhood is characterized by its high median income, which stood at $112,286 in 2022, significantly above the national average. The Plaza is known for its upscale residential areas and proximity to California State University, Long Beach, which likely influences its demographic and economic profile.
Over the past decade, The Plaza has undergone a notable transition from a White Majority community to a White Plurality area. In 2013, the white population constituted 66% of residents, clearly fitting the White Majority category. However, by 2022, this percentage had decreased to 51%, just barely maintaining plurality status. This shift indicates a trend towards increasing diversity in the neighborhood.
The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 18% in 2013 to 27% in 2022. The Asian population has also grown from 8% to 10% during this period. These changes suggest The Plaza is moving towards a Moderate Diversity classification, with three racial groups (White, Hispanic, and Asian) each representing over 10% of the population.
The neighborhood is showing signs of being a Transitional Community, with consistent increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations over the years. If these trends continue, The Plaza could potentially become a Majority-Minority area in the near future.
The median income in The Plaza has fluctuated but generally increased over the decade, rising from $111,680 in 2013 to $112,286 in 2022, with a peak of $125,573 in 2021. This overall upward trend in income correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, suggesting that the area is attracting affluent residents from various ethnic backgrounds.
The population has also grown steadily, from 19,479 in 2013 to 20,504 in 2022, indicating that The Plaza remains an attractive residential area despite its changing demographics.
The demographic shifts observed in The Plaza mirror broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States, particularly in California. The increasing Hispanic population is consistent with statewide demographic changes, as California has seen a growing Hispanic population over the past decades.
The high median income of The Plaza, consistently above $100,000 throughout the decade, places it well above both the California and national median household incomes. This suggests that while the neighborhood is diversifying, it remains an affluent area that may be less accessible to lower-income households.
The transition from a White Majority to a more diverse community composition is reflective of national trends towards increasing racial and ethnic diversity, particularly in coastal urban areas and their suburbs. However, The Plaza's retention of a high median income throughout this transition is noteworthy, as it suggests that the neighborhood has maintained its economic status while becoming more diverse.
In conclusion, The Plaza exemplifies a trend of increasing diversity within affluent communities, challenging the notion that demographic shifts necessarily lead to economic changes. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these demographic and economic trends interact and shape the future character of The Plaza.
