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Demographic Analysis of M.L. King Jr. Park Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The M.L. King Jr. Park neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, is classified as a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. No racial group holds a majority. Hispanic residents comprise 38%, Black residents 30%, and White residents 21% of the population. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $38,887, which is below the national median. The neighborhood is named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Over the past decade, the M.L. King Jr. Park neighborhood has maintained its Majority-Minority status with changing dynamics. In 2013, the community exhibited High Diversity, with Black (33%), Hispanic (34%), and Asian (13%) populations having significant representation. By 2022, the neighborhood transitioned to Moderate Diversity, with Hispanic and Black populations becoming more dominant while the Asian population decreased.
The Hispanic population has grown the most, increasing from 34% in 2013 to 38% in 2022, becoming the largest group. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 29-35% over the decade. The White population has varied between 16-24% without a clear trend. This shift towards a stronger Hispanic plurality suggests a Transitional Community.
The median income in the neighborhood has fluctuated over the years, showing no clear upward trend. It was $36,488 in 2013, peaked at $41,903 in 2021, and decreased to $38,887 in 2022. Periods of higher Hispanic population share coincide with slightly higher median incomes, suggesting that the growing Hispanic community might be contributing to economic stability or growth in the area.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, growing slightly from 2,739 in 2013 to 2,507 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. This stability in population, combined with changing demographics, suggests that the neighborhood is experiencing more of an internal shift rather than significant in-migration or out-migration.
The demographic shifts observed in M.L. King Jr. Park align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen growth in Hispanic populations and a decline in the proportion of White residents over the past decade. The neighborhood's persistent economic challenges, as evidenced by its below-national-average median income, suggest that it may be lagging behind in terms of economic development compared to similar urban areas nationwide.
The neighborhood's transition from High Diversity to Moderate Diversity, with a growing Hispanic plurality, reflects changing urban demographics across the United States. This shift may influence local businesses, schools, and community services to adapt to the changing needs of the population.
