Demographic Trends in Old Sevier: Decreasing Diversity and Rising Income

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CATEGORY

Demographics

DATA

Population

Median Income

Racial Distributions

DATA SOURCE

United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)

Old Sevier, a neighborhood in Knoxville, Tennessee, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as "Low Diversity" with a White Majority as of 2022. The white population constitutes 74% of the neighborhood. The median income in 2022 is $34,839, indicating a working-class community with recent economic improvements. Old Sevier is recognized for its historic character and ongoing revitalization efforts.

Over the past decade, Old Sevier has maintained its status as a White Majority neighborhood, but with notable changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having "Moderate Diversity," with a 31% Black population and 66% white population. By 2022, the community transitioned to "Low Diversity" as the white population increased to 74% while the Black population decreased to 19%.

This shift suggests a potential "Transitional Community" status, but towards decreasing rather than increasing diversity. The Hispanic population has remained consistently low, around 1-2% throughout the decade. The Asian population has slightly increased from 0% in 2013 to 3% in 2022.

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The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes. The median income has shown fluctuation and overall growth, from $29,836 in 2013 to $34,839 in 2022, an increase of about 17%. The lowest point was in 2015 at $23,252, coinciding with the period of highest diversity. As the neighborhood became less diverse and the white majority increased, median income also rose.

The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 500-650 residents over the decade. This suggests that the demographic changes are likely due to in- and out-migration rather than significant population growth or decline.

The trend in Old Sevier towards decreasing diversity and increasing median income may reflect broader patterns of gentrification seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. As older, more diverse neighborhoods undergo revitalization, they often attract more affluent residents, frequently resulting in demographic shifts.

Old Sevier's trends contrast with national patterns that generally show increasing diversity in urban areas. The neighborhood's shift towards a stronger white majority goes against the trend of many cities becoming more racially diverse.

The economic improvement raises questions about affordability and displacement of lower-income residents, particularly from minority groups. The significant decrease in the Black population percentage could be an indicator of such displacement.

Old Sevier represents a case of a neighborhood transitioning towards less diversity while experiencing economic growth. This pattern suggests ongoing socio-economic changes that may be reshaping the community's character and composition. Monitoring these trends and their impacts on long-term residents and the overall community fabric will be crucial as the neighborhood continues to evolve.

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