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Hispanic Racial Majority and Economic Trends in East Bakersfield, California
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Bakersfield, a neighborhood in Bakersfield, California, exhibits a Hispanic Racial Majority, with 81% of the population identifying as Hispanic in 2022. The area's median income was $27,187 in 2022, which is below the national average. The neighborhood is characterized by its Hispanic culture, evident in local businesses, cuisine, and community events.
Over the past decade, East Bakersfield has maintained its Hispanic Racial Majority status. The Hispanic population has remained stable, fluctuating between 80-82% from 2013 to 2022. This stability indicates an established Hispanic community with strong cultural roots. Subtle shifts in racial composition include a decline in the Black population from 8% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, an increase in the White population from 5% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, and a slight increase in those identifying as two or more races from 1% to 2%.
The median income in East Bakersfield has shown an upward trend, rising from $20,963 in 2013 to $27,187 in 2022, an increase of about 30%. This growth has not been consistent, with a dip to $20,612 in 2015, a significant jump between 2019 and 2020 from $23,920 to $26,627, and a temporary decline in 2021 to $22,874 before rebounding in 2022. These economic fluctuations do not appear to correlate strongly with the subtle demographic shifts.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 12,000 and 13,000 residents throughout the decade. This stability, combined with the consistent Hispanic majority, indicates a resilient community maintaining its cultural identity while experiencing gradual economic improvement.
The persistent Hispanic majority in East Bakersfield aligns with broader trends in California, where the Hispanic population has been growing. However, the neighborhood's 81% Hispanic population is significantly higher than the state average, which was about 39% in 2020. The median income growth in East Bakersfield, while positive, still leaves the neighborhood well below California's median household income, which was around $78,672 in 2020. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by this predominantly Hispanic community.
The stability of the Hispanic population in East Bakersfield contrasts with national trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas. This suggests that the neighborhood may serve as a cultural anchor for the Hispanic community in Bakersfield, potentially offering social networks and cultural resources that contribute to its demographic stability despite economic challenges.
