Demographic Trends in Grissom/Highland Neighborhood: Increasing White Majority and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
The Grissom/Highland neighborhood in Blacksburg, Virginia, exhibits a low diversity demographic profile with a White majority of 86% as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income increasing from $58,857 in 2013 to $96,349 in 2022, a 63.7% increase. Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, a major research university.
From 2013 to 2022, the Grissom/Highland neighborhood has maintained a low diversity categorization. The White population percentage increased from 77% in 2013 to 86% in 2022. The Asian population showed fluctuations, peaking at 14% in 2017 before declining to 6% in 2022. The Black population increased from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable at 2-3% throughout the decade.
The neighborhood experienced significant economic growth. Median income increased by 63.7% from 2013 to 2022. The most substantial increase occurred between 2021 and 2022, with an 18.8% rise from $81,118 to $96,349. This economic growth coincided with the strengthening of the White majority. The population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 2,000 and 3,000 residents, with a slight overall increase from 2,722 in 2013 to 2,740 in 2022.
The Grissom/Highland neighborhood appears to be moving towards less diversity, contrary to national trends in many urban and suburban areas. This could be attributed to several factors. The presence of Virginia Tech may attract a specific demographic of students, faculty, and staff, potentially influencing the neighborhood's composition. The significant increase in median income might be pricing out more diverse, lower-income residents, leading to a form of economic segregation. The trend in this neighborhood contrasts with many college towns across the US, which often see increasing diversity due to international students and faculty.
The Grissom/Highland neighborhood in Blacksburg presents a case of a community becoming less diverse over time while experiencing substantial economic growth. This trend raises questions about the interplay between economic development, educational institutions, and demographic composition in small college towns, and how these factors might influence community dynamics and inclusivity.
