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Demographic Analysis of Edwards Neighborhood, Ames, Iowa: White Majority with Evolving Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Edwards neighborhood in Ames, Iowa, is characterized as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. In 2022, 83% of the population identified as white. The neighborhood experienced significant population growth from 1,332 residents in 2010 to 1,986 in 2022. The median income in 2022 was $67,616. Edwards is located near Iowa State University.
Over the past decade, Edwards transitioned from an area of extremely Low Diversity to one that, while still categorized as Low Diversity, shows signs of increasing racial heterogeneity. In 2013, the neighborhood was 91% white. By 2018, it had shifted to a Moderate Diversity category, with the white population decreasing to 70% and increases in Asian (15%) and Hispanic (11%) populations. This trend partially reversed by 2022, returning to Low Diversity status.
The Asian population in Edwards increased from 2% in 2013 to a peak of 17% in 2020, before settling at 11% in 2022. This fluctuation may be related to international student enrollment patterns at Iowa State University.
The median income in Edwards has shown volatility over the reported period. It peaked at $78,452 in 2019, coinciding with the period of greatest racial diversity. The subsequent decrease in median income to $67,616 in 2022 correlates with a return to lower diversity levels. This pattern suggests a possible relationship between increased diversity and higher median incomes in this neighborhood.
The population growth from 1,332 in 2010 to 1,986 in 2022 represents a 49% increase. This growth occurred alongside fluctuations in racial composition and income levels, potentially indicating that the neighborhood has become more attractive to a wider range of residents over time.
The demographic shifts in Edwards reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near universities. The growth in the Asian population is consistent with national trends in university towns. The recent reversal towards less diversity is somewhat contrary to national trends, which generally show continued increases in diversity. This could be due to local factors such as changes in university enrollment or housing policies.
The income volatility in Edwards is more pronounced than typical national trends, which might be attributed to the neighborhood's connection to the university ecosystem. The overall income levels remain above the national median, suggesting that despite fluctuations, Edwards maintains its status as a relatively affluent area.
Edwards remains categorized as a Low Diversity, White Majority community, but has experienced notable demographic and economic fluctuations over the past decade. These changes likely reflect its position as a university-adjacent neighborhood, subject to the ebb and flow of student populations and academic-related economic factors. The community's future may continue to be shaped by these influences, potentially leading to further diversity increases or stabilization depending on local and university-related developments.
