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NE - Sterling Neighborhood: Demographic and Economic Changes in a Hispanic Majority Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The NE - Sterling neighborhood in San Bernardino, California, presents as a Hispanic Majority community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The Hispanic population constitutes 55% of the neighborhood, with White residents forming a significant minority at 33%. The area has experienced economic growth, with median income rising from $54,054 in 2019 to $74,773 in 2022, a 38% increase over three years. This neighborhood is in proximity to the San Bernardino International Airport, which may influence local employment opportunities and community dynamics.
Over the past decade, NE - Sterling has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a Hispanic Majority area with 64% Hispanic population. By 2016, it transitioned to a Majority-Minority status as the Hispanic population decreased to 53%. From 2017 to 2022, the community fluctuated between Hispanic Majority and Majority-Minority status, settling into a Hispanic Majority by 2022, with 55% Hispanic population.
The White population has increased from 12% in 2013 to 33% in 2022, indicating a trend towards greater diversity. The Black population decreased from 14% to 6%, suggesting a shift in the neighborhood's racial composition. These demographic shifts correlate with economic changes. The median income increased from $43,933 in 2013 to $74,773 in 2022, a 70% rise. This economic growth coincides with the increase in the White population.
The population has grown from 4,063 in 2013 to 4,852 in 2022, a 19% increase, suggesting the neighborhood has become more attractive to new residents. This could be due to improved economic conditions or changes in local amenities and services.
The demographic changes in NE - Sterling reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally Hispanic-majority neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of White residents and accompanying economic growth. This pattern is often associated with urban renewal and gentrification processes.
The income growth in NE - Sterling outpaces the national average. The U.S. median household income grew from $52,250 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021, a 35% increase, compared to the neighborhood's 70% growth over a similar period. The neighborhood's proximity to the San Bernardino International Airport may have contributed to its economic growth, as airport expansions and related business developments often lead to increased job opportunities and economic activity in surrounding areas.
NE - Sterling has transformed from a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood with lower income levels to a more economically prosperous and slightly more diverse community, while maintaining its Hispanic majority status. These changes suggest a complex interplay of demographic shifts, economic development, and possibly gentrification, reflecting broader urban trends seen across the United States.
