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Demographic Trends in Bella Lago: White Majority with Growing Hispanic Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Bella Lago, a neighborhood in Chula Vista, California, is classified as a "White Majority" community with 58% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The neighborhood also shows characteristics of a "Transitional Community" with significant Hispanic representation. The median income in 2022 was $104,386, indicating a relatively affluent area. Bella Lago is situated near the Otay Valley Regional Park.
Bella Lago has experienced notable demographic changes over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "White Majority" with 55% white population. This categorization persisted throughout the decade, with fluctuations. The community approached "Moderate Diversity" status in 2017-2018 when the white population reached 59% and the Hispanic population decreased to 26%. By 2022, while maintaining its "White Majority" status, the neighborhood showed signs of transitioning towards increased diversity.
The Hispanic population has shown the most significant change, increasing from 30% in 2013 to 37% in 2022, suggesting a trend towards a more balanced racial composition. This shift indicates that Bella Lago is evolving into a "Transitional Community," with the potential to become a "Moderate Diversity" area if current trends continue. The Asian population has fluctuated, peaking at 12% in 2017 but declining to 4% by 2022. Other racial groups have maintained relatively stable, minor representations throughout the decade.
The median income in Bella Lago has shown considerable volatility. From 2013 to 2017, there was a significant increase from $119,686 to $145,074, suggesting economic growth potentially correlated with the increasing white majority during this period. From 2020 to 2022, there was a sharp decline in median income from $111,943 to $104,386. This recent decline in median income coincides with the increase in Hispanic population and decrease in Asian population. This correlation might suggest changing economic dynamics within the community, possibly related to shifts in employment sectors or housing affordability affecting demographic composition. The population has grown from 2,855 in 2013 to 3,317 in 2022, indicating the neighborhood's increasing attractiveness despite recent income declines.
The demographic shifts in Bella Lago mirror broader trends seen in many Californian suburbs, where increasing Hispanic populations are changing the cultural landscape of traditionally white-majority areas. However, Bella Lago's persistence as a white-majority area, albeit with growing diversity, sets it apart from some rapidly transitioning neighborhoods in the region. The recent decline in median income, while significant, still places Bella Lago well above the national median household income. This suggests that despite economic fluctuations, the neighborhood remains relatively affluent compared to national standards.
The growing Hispanic population in Bella Lago aligns with statewide trends in California, where the Hispanic population has been steadily increasing. However, the decline in Asian population diverges from the general trend of growing Asian communities in many Californian urban and suburban areas. Bella Lago presents a dynamic picture of a community in transition. While maintaining its status as a white-majority area, it shows clear signs of evolving towards greater diversity, particularly with the growth of its Hispanic population. These demographic shifts, coupled with recent economic changes, suggest that Bella Lago is at a pivotal point in its community development, potentially moving towards a more diverse and economically varied future.
