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West Torrance in 2022: Neighborhood with the most significant population decline in Torrance, California
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Population
West Torrance, a neighborhood in the city of Torrance, California, has experienced the most significant population decline over the past decade according to recent demographic data. This analysis examines the trends in population change, as well as related factors that may contribute to or correlate with this demographic shift in the neighborhood.
The population of West Torrance has shown a notable downward trend over the years. In 2013, the neighborhood had a population of 14,293 residents. By 2022, this number had decreased to 13,098, representing a decline of approximately 8.36% over a nine-year period. This reduction in population is particularly striking when compared to the neighborhood's peak population of 14,385 in 2010, highlighting a longer-term trend of population loss.
Examining the year-to-year changes reveals fluctuations in the rate of population decline. The most substantial single-year decrease occurred between 2019 and 2020, with the population dropping from 13,301 to 12,920, a reduction of 2.86%. Interestingly, there was a brief uptick in 2021, with the population rising to 13,658, before declining again to 13,098 in 2022. These fluctuations suggest that while the overall trend is downward, there are periodic variations that may be influenced by various factors.
To understand the context of this population decline, it is essential to examine other demographic and economic indicators that may be related to or influence population dynamics in West Torrance.
One notable factor is the change in median income over the same period. In 2013, the median income in West Torrance was $113,262. By 2022, it had increased to $128,022, representing a growth of about 13% over nine years. Despite this increase in median income, the population continued to decline, suggesting that rising incomes alone were not sufficient to retain or attract residents to the neighborhood.
Housing prices in West Torrance have seen a significant increase over the years, which may contribute to the population decline. In 2013, the average home price was $674,096. By 2022, this figure had nearly doubled to $1,315,134. This substantial rise in housing costs could be a deterrent for potential new residents and may have encouraged some existing residents to relocate to more affordable areas.
The racial composition of West Torrance has also undergone changes during this period of population decline. From 2013 to 2022, the proportion of White residents decreased from 52.49% to 51.02%, while the Hispanic population slightly decreased from 17.80% to 15.74%. Conversely, the Asian population remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 24.12% to 21.64%. These shifts in racial demographics suggest that the population decline has affected different ethnic groups to varying degrees.
Another factor to consider is the change in housing occupancy rates. The percentage of owner-occupied housing units increased slightly from 74.32% in 2013 to 75.65% in 2022. Correspondingly, the percentage of renter-occupied units decreased from 25.66% to 24.35%. This shift towards slightly higher owner occupancy, combined with rising housing prices, may indicate a trend towards more stable, long-term residency but potentially at the cost of overall population numbers.
The employment-to-population ratio has remained relatively stable, moving from 0.634 in 2013 to 0.636 in 2022. This stability in employment rates suggests that job opportunities have not been a primary driver of the population decline.
In conclusion, West Torrance has experienced the most significant population decline in Torrance over the past decade, with a notable 8.36% decrease from 2013 to 2022. This trend appears to be influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including rapidly rising housing prices, shifts in racial demographics, and changes in housing occupancy patterns. Despite increases in median income and stable employment rates, these factors have not been sufficient to counteract the population loss. The data suggests that affordability, particularly in housing, may be a key issue affecting population retention and growth in West Torrance. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, addressing these interconnected factors will be crucial for understanding and potentially reversing the trend of population decline.
