Community Composition
Changes within the economic foundation of a town can alter its demographic composition and reduce the ability of those who rely on productivist activities to remain in the area (7). During the Beaufort Then era, a large portion of the townspeople were working directly in commercial fishing or indirectly in a supporting industry (9). However, as commercial fishing became less integral to the town, many long-standing residents left in search of new employment opportunities, and amenity migrants moved into the town (23). This in and out migration of residents marks a dramatic change in the community composition that exists in the Beaufort Now era.
Changes in Community Demographics
Investments in public transportation made it easier for inland and out of state residents to reach remote and rural landscapes, thus ushering in waves of new residents and bringing with them a new economy and community culture (7). As commercial fisheries declined and non-skilled workers left, they were replaced by older adults, many of them retirees. It is important to note that many of those working in the menhaden industry were men of color. After the industry consolidated, many of these men left the Beaufort area in search of new employment (9).
In-Migration of Older Adults
1
(22)
(31)
(31)
Out-Migration of Black Population
(22)
(32)
Changes in Seasonal Population
Beaufort continued to grow in reputation as a desirable place to vacation and escape the summer heat. Moving through time, Beaufort’s total population consists of more and more seasonal residents who are either renters or second home owners looking to stay for only the summer months.
Increase in Seasonal Population
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(22)
(32)
Beaufort and North Carolina are not the only places experiencing in- and out-migration. Across the United States, there has been a mass movement from urban centers to coastal spaces. This is often a result of a diminishing importance of productivist-activities, which led to out-migration of long standing residents who relied on this economic base (7, 33). In the case of Beaufort, we see a large out-migration of the black community, who were integral in the functioning of the menhaden industry (32, 9, 22 )Use Plan, 1976;;). Around the same time, we see steady increases in the seasonal population and the number of residents who are over the age of sixty (22, 31).
This in-migration and resettlement often begins with seasonal visits, followed by renting and second home ownership, and typically ending with permanent relocation around the time of retirement (6). This restructuring of community composition has the potential to disrupt the long standing social fabric of a town. Urban populations moving to rural communities often bring in notions of idealized rurality, which can conflict with preexisting visions of landscapes, local economic incentives, and community cohesion (7).
Studies from other coastal towns in the United States find that waves of amenity migrants are wealthier than long-standing residents. New residents are not pulled to these places for economic opportunities but rather, are driven by the draw of amenities such as proximity to nature, recreational activities, and escapism. The balance of power shifts when new residents become incorporated into local governance structures, often resulting in higher costs of housing and thus, the displacement of long-standing residents (7). Additionally, studies show new residents are often less integrated into community frameworks and have a weaker sense of connection to long-standing residents and local industries (7). The resulting community composition and dynamics is one that is demographically, socioeconomically, and culturally very different from the one that existed during the productivist era.