Loading Content...
Southport: A Study of Racial Demographics in a Low Diversity Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Southport, Connecticut, is characterized as a low diversity community with a strong White Majority. As of 2022, 90% of the population identifies as white, with a median income of $145,088. This affluent coastal community is known for its historic architecture and picturesque harbor, attracting wealthy residents and maintaining a reputation as one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Fairfield County.
Over the past decade, Southport has consistently maintained its status as a White Majority community with low diversity. The percentage of white residents has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 87% and 92% from 2013 to 2022. This stability suggests a deeply entrenched demographic makeup resistant to significant change.
Despite the overall consistency, there have been subtle shifts in minority populations. The Hispanic population increased from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, peaking at 6% in 2019. The Asian population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3% and 5%. The Black population maintained a minimal presence, never exceeding 1%. These changes hint at a very slow trend towards slightly increased diversity, though not enough to shift the community out of the Low Diversity category.
Southport's median income has shown significant fluctuations over the decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a steady increase from $161,232 to $172,688. In 2020, there was a sharp decline to $146,375, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021 saw a dramatic rebound to $177,540, followed by another decline to $145,088 in 2022. These income fluctuations don't seem to correlate strongly with the minor demographic shifts, suggesting that economic factors in Southport are more influenced by broader market trends and external economic forces than by local demographic changes.
The population has grown from 11,861 in 2013 to 15,356 in 2022, an increase of about 29%. This growth, combined with the maintained high median income, indicates that Southport remains an attractive location for affluent residents, predominantly white.
Southport's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban and suburban areas across the United States have seen significant increases in minority populations and diversity over the past decade, Southport has maintained its predominantly white demographic.
The median household income in Southport ($145,088 in 2022) is significantly higher than the national median ($70,784 in 2021), highlighting its status as an exceptionally affluent community. This economic exclusivity likely contributes to the maintained low diversity, as high property values and living costs may present barriers to entry for more diverse populations.
Southport presents a picture of demographic and economic stability in an era of change. Its consistently low diversity and high median income suggest a community that has largely insulated itself from broader demographic shifts occurring across the country. While there are hints of very gradual diversification, the pace of change is slow, and the community remains firmly in the White Majority, Low Diversity category. The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp changes in recent years, may be more reflective of broader economic events like the COVID-19 pandemic rather than local demographic shifts.
