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Demographic Trends in Clear Lake: A Study of Racial Composition and Income
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Clear Lake, a neighborhood in Houston, Texas, currently exhibits a white majority demographic composition, with 53% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The area is characterized by moderate diversity, with significant Hispanic (23%) and Asian (11%) populations. Economically, Clear Lake has a high median income of $99,116 in 2022, above the national average. This affluent suburb is located near NASA's Johnson Space Center, which has influenced its demographic makeup and economic status.
Over the past decade, Clear Lake has undergone a gradual transition from a strong white majority community towards increased diversity. In 2013, the white population comprised 58% of the total. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 53%, still maintaining a white majority but showing a trend towards greater diversity. The Hispanic population has seen the most significant growth, increasing from 19% in 2013 to 23% in 2022. The Black population has grown slightly from 6% to 8%. The Asian population has remained relatively stable at around 11-12%. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races has increased from 2% to 5% over this period.
These shifts suggest that Clear Lake is moving towards the transitional community category, with increasing representation from Hispanic and multiracial groups. If current trends continue, the neighborhood could potentially transition to a majority-minority status in the coming years.
Clear Lake's economic trajectory has been generally positive, with median income rising from $94,134 in 2013 to $99,116 in 2022, representing a 5.3% increase. This growth outpaces inflation for the same period, indicating real economic gains for the community. The increasing diversity has coincided with economic growth, suggesting that the influx of diverse populations has not negatively impacted the area's economic status. The highest median income of $101,344 was recorded in 2021, corresponding with the period of greatest diversity.
The population has remained relatively stable, growing slightly from 84,546 in 2013 to 86,180 in 2022, a 1.9% increase. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, suggests a gradual and managed demographic transition rather than rapid change.
Clear Lake's demographic shifts mirror broader trends seen in many suburban areas across the United States, particularly those near major metropolitan centers. The increase in Hispanic population aligns with national trends, as the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the country. The neighborhood's high median income and increasing diversity challenge the notion that increased diversity necessarily leads to economic decline.
Compared to Houston as a whole, Clear Lake remains less diverse but is gradually aligning more closely with the city's overall demographic profile. This suggests that the neighborhood is part of a broader trend of increasing diversity throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
Clear Lake represents a community in transition, moving from a predominantly white, affluent suburb to a more diverse yet still economically prosperous area. This evolution reflects broader national trends towards increased diversity in suburban areas, particularly those associated with high-tech industries. The neighborhood's ability to maintain high median incomes while diversifying could serve as a model for other communities navigating similar demographic shifts.
