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Demographic Trends in Westover: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westover, a neighborhood in San Marcos, Texas, has a population of 1,690 and a median income of $78,178 as of 2022. The neighborhood exhibits a moderate diversity profile with a White majority. Westover has undergone significant population growth and demographic changes over the past decade, mirroring broader shifts in the San Marcos area.
In 2013, Westover had a White majority, with 60% of the population identifying as White and 24% as Hispanic. By 2019, the neighborhood transitioned to a Majority-Minority status, with the Hispanic population reaching 58% and the White population decreasing to 40%. This trend reversed in recent years, returning to a White majority by 2022, albeit with increased representation from other groups. The most significant change has been the increase in residents identifying as two or more races, growing from negligible numbers before 2021 to 16% in 2022.
The median income in Westover has fluctuated over the past decade, generally showing an upward trend until 2020. The peak was in 2017 at $96,362, coinciding with a period of increased diversity. As the neighborhood began to shift back towards a White majority from 2020 onwards, there was a notable decrease in median income, dropping to $72,553 in 2021 before slightly recovering in 2022.
The population has seen significant changes, nearly doubling from 1,247 in 2013 to a peak of 2,533 in 2018, before settling back to 1,690 in 2022. These population fluctuations coincide with periods of changing racial composition, suggesting possible links between demographic shifts and housing or economic factors.
The demographic changes in Westover reflect broader trends seen in many growing Texas cities, particularly those with significant university populations. The increase in Hispanic residents and those identifying as multiracial aligns with statewide demographic shifts. However, the recent reversal towards a White majority is somewhat unique and may be influenced by local factors such as university expansion or changes in the local job market.
The income fluctuations, particularly the recent decline, are noteworthy when compared to national trends. While many areas saw income growth post-2020, Westover's decline might indicate local economic challenges or shifts in the resident population, possibly related to changes in the student or young professional demographics.
Westover presents a dynamic picture of a neighborhood in transition. Its shifting demographics, coupled with significant income and population fluctuations, suggest a community adapting to broader socio-economic changes. The recent trends towards increased diversity, particularly in multiracial identification, indicate that Westover is likely to continue evolving in its demographic makeup, potentially influencing local economic patterns and community dynamics in the coming years.
