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Demographic Transition in West Hills: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Hills, a neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, is experiencing a demographic transition from a White Majority community to one with increasing racial diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 400 and a median income of $48,593. West Hills is located near Duke University, which may influence its demographic and economic characteristics.
From 2013 to 2020, West Hills maintained a White Majority status, with the white population comprising between 67% and 100% of residents. In 2021, a small Black population (9%) emerged, while the white population remained dominant at 91%. The year 2022 marked a significant change, with the neighborhood transitioning to a Moderate Diversity category. The community maintained a White Majority (70%) but saw the introduction of a Hispanic population (19%), a slight decrease in the Black population (7%), and the emergence of a multiracial category (4%).
The demographic shifts in West Hills correlate with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the median income showed a general upward trend, peaking at $67,884 in 2019. However, coinciding with the increase in diversity from 2020 onwards, there was a significant drop in median income, falling to $48,726 in 2020 and further to $47,021 in 2021, before slightly recovering to $48,593 in 2022.
The demographic changes in West Hills reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally white-majority neighborhoods are experiencing increased racial and ethnic diversity. This trend is often associated with changing immigration patterns, urban development, and shifts in housing preferences.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp decline in median income from 2019 to 2020, align with national trends related to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the continued lower income levels in 2021 and 2022, despite some recovery in many parts of the country, suggest that local factors in West Hills or Durham may be influencing this trend.
The increasing Hispanic population in West Hills is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects a broader trend of growing Hispanic communities in the Southeast United States. This demographic shift could bring cultural changes to the neighborhood, potentially influencing local businesses, community services, and social dynamics.
West Hills is undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving from a predominantly white community to one with increasing diversity. This shift, while bringing new cultural dimensions to the neighborhood, has coincided with economic challenges as reflected in declining median incomes. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these demographic and economic trends interact and shape the future character of West Hills.
