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Demographic Trends in Cotswold: Analysis of Racial Composition and Economic Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Cotswold, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, demonstrates characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 69% of residents, with Black (12%) and Hispanic (9%) groups representing significant minorities. The neighborhood's population has grown steadily over the past decade, reaching 5,370 residents in 2022. Cotswold's median income was $79,198 in 2022, indicating an affluent area within Charlotte. The neighborhood is known for its combination of mid-century ranch homes and newer construction.
Over the past decade, Cotswold has maintained its White Majority status while transitioning from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the white population was 69% with minimal representation from other groups. By 2022, notable demographic shifts included a decrease in the Black population from 21% to 12%, an increase in the Hispanic population from 8% to 9%, the emergence of an Asian population rising from 0% to 5%, and an increase in residents identifying as two or more races from 1% to 5%. These changes suggest Cotswold is becoming a Transitional Community.
The demographic changes in Cotswold have occurred alongside economic fluctuations. The median income increased from $61,151 in 2013 to $83,222 in 2018, before settling at $79,198 in 2022. This overall upward trend in income, combined with increasing diversity, suggests the neighborhood is attracting a more varied, affluent population. The population growth from 4,141 in 2013 to 5,370 in 2022 indicates Cotswold's increasing desirability. These trends point to potential gentrification or urban renewal processes.
The trends observed in Cotswold align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many cities have experienced increased diversity in traditionally white-majority neighborhoods, often accompanied by rising property values and incomes. This pattern is common in growing Southern cities like Charlotte, which have attracted diverse populations due to economic opportunities and quality of life factors.
The increase in Asian and multi-racial populations in Cotswold mirrors national trends, where these groups have been among the fastest-growing demographic segments in recent years. The decrease in the Black population percentage may reflect broader displacement trends seen in gentrifying urban areas. Cotswold's economic trajectory, with its significant income growth, outpaces national averages. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Cotswold's median income increased by nearly 30% in the same period, indicating substantial economic changes in the neighborhood.
Cotswold exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while maintaining its White Majority status. The economic and demographic shifts suggest a complex interplay of factors, including possible gentrification, changing housing preferences, and broader urban demographic trends. These changes are likely to have significant implications for the neighborhood's character, local businesses, and community dynamics in the coming years.
