Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in West End: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The West End neighborhood in Beaufort, South Carolina, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, West End was categorized as a "White Majority" community with a median income of $42,694. The neighborhood transitioned from a more diverse community to one with a clearer racial majority over the past decade.
The demographic composition of West End has changed notably. In 2013, it was classified as a "Moderate Diversity" area, with 43% Black and 49% White residents. By 2022, the community had shifted to a "White Majority" status, with 62% of the population identifying as White. This transition was not linear, with the neighborhood maintaining a "White Majority" status from 2015 to 2019, briefly returning to "Moderate Diversity" in 2020 and 2021, before reverting to "White Majority" in 2022.
The Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races have shown a gradual increase, indicating a potential "Transitional Community" aspect. The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. The neighborhood experienced its highest median income in 2013 at $59,345, coinciding with the period of "Moderate Diversity." As the community transitioned towards a "White Majority," there was a general downward trend in median income, reaching $42,694 in 2022.
The declining median income despite increasing racial homogeneity suggests that the demographic changes have not translated to higher economic prosperity for the neighborhood. It is possible that higher-income diverse residents were replaced by lower-income White residents, potentially altering the economic character of the area. The population has grown from 635 in 2013 to 880 in 2022, indicating that the neighborhood remains attractive to new residents despite economic challenges.
The demographic shifts in West End reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas, though the specific pattern of transitioning to a White majority is less common. The declining median income, despite increasing racial homogeneity, contrasts with national patterns where increased diversity often correlates with economic growth in urban areas.
The persistence of a significant Black population (16% in 2022) alongside growing Hispanic and multiracial populations suggests that West End still maintains elements of a multicultural community. This positions West End as a potential microcosm of larger demographic shifts occurring across the American South, where historically Black neighborhoods are experiencing gentrification and demographic change.
West End's demographic evolution over the past decade reflects complex interplays between race, economics, and urban development. The transition from "Moderate Diversity" to "White Majority" status, coupled with declining median incomes, presents a case study in how racial composition changes can interact with economic factors in unexpected ways. Continued monitoring of these trends will be crucial to understand their impact on community cohesion, local services, and overall quality of life for all residents.
