Demographic Flip-Flop in Washington D.C. and Suburbs

Washington D.C. has for many years had a high population of African Americans. But now, they're moving out to the suburbs and white people are moving in.

1 minute read

February 19, 2011, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Most big U.S. cities are getting browner as more blacks, Hispanics and Asians move in. Washington, by contrast, fell to just 53 percent black in 2009, down from a peak of 71 percent in 1970. That's partly because D.C. has quickly become one of the most expensive cities in America, and one of the only cities in the U.S. where property values continue to rise despite the economic downturn.

The change is a long time coming, but new Census data expected in the coming weeks will likely show a further drop in the District's black population, despite its multigenerational roots here. In fact, demographers predict that if current trends continue, the city could lose its majority-black status in the next few years."

This story from NPR takes a look at what's behind those shifts and how the city is changing.

FULL STORY: D.C., Long 'Chocolate City,' Becoming More Vanilla

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 in NPR

Social / Demographics District of Columbia Gentrification Washington D.C. Demographic Shifts African Americans White People View More

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