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Near South Neighborhood of Lincoln, Nebraska: White Majority with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Near South neighborhood of Lincoln, Nebraska is classified as a "White Majority" area, with 68% of the population identifying as white in 2022. This classification has remained consistent over the past decade, although the neighborhood has shown signs of increasing diversity. The area has experienced significant economic growth, with median income increasing from $33,949 in 2016 to $46,276 in 2022. Near South is characterized by its historic homes and proximity to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
While maintaining its "White Majority" status throughout the decade, Near South has demonstrated a gradual trend towards increased diversity. The white population decreased from 74% in 2013 to 68% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 10% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has also seen substantial growth, rising from 1% to 6% over the same period. The Asian population has remained relatively stable, while the Black population has seen a slight increase from 5% to 7% over the decade.
The neighborhood has experienced substantial economic growth, with median income rising by 36% from 2013 to 2022 (from $37,202 to $46,276). This growth correlates with the increasing diversity. The population has remained relatively stable over this period, fluctuating between 10,000 and 11,500 residents. This stability, combined with rising incomes, suggests that the neighborhood is becoming more desirable and potentially more expensive.
The trends observed in Near South align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly those near universities. The growth in Hispanic population and multiracial individuals mirrors national demographic shifts. However, the economic growth in Near South appears to be outpacing national averages, which could be attributed to its proximity to the university and Lincoln's overall economic health.
The stability of the population size, despite economic growth, suggests that housing availability might be limited, potentially due to the historic nature of the neighborhood. This could be contributing to the gradual nature of demographic changes, as opposed to rapid shifts seen in some rapidly developing urban areas.
Near South remains a "White Majority" neighborhood, but it is showing clear signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. The economic growth and demographic shifts suggest a neighborhood in the midst of change, likely influenced by its proximity to the university and its historical character. As this transition continues, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect housing affordability, community cohesion, and local services to ensure equitable development for all residents.
