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Demographic Trends in Fort Phantom: A Transitioning White Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Fort Phantom, a neighborhood in Abilene, Texas, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 52% of the residents, while Hispanic and Black populations represent 23% and 19% respectively. The neighborhood has experienced modest population growth over the past decade, reaching 10,171 residents in 2022. Fort Phantom is located near Lake Fort Phantom Hill, a recreational area that may influence its demographic composition.
Over the past decade, Fort Phantom has undergone changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a White Majority community, with 54% of the population identifying as white. By 2017, it had shifted to a Moderate Diversity classification, with the white population decreasing to 45% and Hispanic and Black populations increasing. This trend continued until 2020, after which there was a slight reversal. By 2022, the neighborhood had returned to a White Majority status, with 52% of the population identifying as white.
The Hispanic population increased from 25% in 2013 to a peak of 30% in 2017, before declining to 23% by 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 19% and 23% throughout the decade. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more multiracial community.
The median income in Fort Phantom has shown overall growth, increasing from $48,461 in 2013 to $58,064 in 2022, representing a 19.8% increase over the decade. This growth was not linear, with fluctuations observed throughout the period. The years of highest diversity (2015-2017) coincided with relatively lower median incomes, while the return to a White Majority status in recent years has been accompanied by higher median incomes.
The population of Fort Phantom has remained relatively stable over the decade, with a slight increase from 10,111 in 2010 to 10,171 in 2022. This stability suggests that demographic changes are more likely due to shifts within the existing population or targeted migration rather than significant overall population growth.
The demographic trends in Fort Phantom reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and small-city neighborhoods. The growth in the Hispanic population and the increase in multiracial residents align with national trends. However, the recent reversal towards a White Majority status is contrary to national trends, which generally show continuous increases in diversity.
The economic growth observed in Fort Phantom, while positive, appears to lag behind national averages. The U.S. median household income grew by approximately 27% between 2013 and 2022, compared to Fort Phantom's 19.8% growth. This suggests that while the neighborhood is experiencing economic improvements, it may be facing challenges in keeping pace with national economic growth rates.
Fort Phantom presents a picture of a community in transition. While it has maintained a White Majority status overall, the neighborhood has experienced periods of increased diversity and continues to have significant minority populations. The economic growth, though positive, indicates potential areas for improvement to align more closely with national trends. These demographic and economic shifts likely reflect changing local industries, migration patterns, and possibly the impact of the neighborhood's recreational assets on its appeal to different demographic groups.
