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Demographic Analysis of Mission Viejo: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Mission Viejo, a neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 61% of the neighborhood, with Hispanic (20%) and Black (11%) populations representing significant minorities. The median income in 2022 was $85,850, indicating a relatively affluent area. Mission Viejo shares its name with a planned community in California, potentially suggesting a historical connection in its development approach.
Over the past decade, Mission Viejo has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as White Majority with 71% white population. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 61%, while other racial groups, particularly Hispanic and Black populations, increased. The Hispanic population grew from 17% in 2013 to 20% in 2022, and the Black population increased from 8% to 11% during the same period. This shift indicates a trend towards a more diverse community composition, although it maintains a White Majority status.
The neighborhood exhibits characteristics of a Transitional Community, with consistent increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations over the years. If this trend continues, Mission Viejo could potentially move towards High Diversity status in the coming years.
The demographic shifts in Mission Viejo have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income increased from $77,849 in 2013 to a peak of $92,676 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $85,850 in 2022. This overall upward trend in income suggests that the increasing diversity has not negatively impacted the economic status of the neighborhood. The population of Mission Viejo has remained relatively stable over the decade, ranging from 7,000 to 7,500 residents. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, may indicate a gradual turnover of residents rather than a rapid influx of new populations.
The demographic changes in Mission Viejo align with broader trends observed in many suburban areas across the United States. Many formerly homogeneous suburbs are experiencing increased diversity as minority populations move out of urban centers and into surrounding areas. The neighborhood's economic resilience, as evidenced by the rising median income despite demographic changes, is notable. This trend contradicts some narratives that associate increasing diversity with economic decline, suggesting instead that Mission Viejo has maintained its economic status while becoming more diverse.
In comparison to national trends, Mission Viejo's median income of $85,850 in 2022 is significantly higher than the U.S. median household income of approximately $70,784 for the same year. This indicates that despite demographic changes, Mission Viejo remains a relatively affluent neighborhood within the broader context of American communities. The gradual nature of these changes suggests a measured integration of diverse populations rather than rapid gentrification or white flight, which can sometimes characterize demographic shifts in urban and suburban areas. This measured pace of change might contribute to maintaining community stability and economic prosperity.
