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Demographic Analysis of North Old Town, Ames, Iowa: Low Diversity and Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Old Town in Ames, Iowa, is characterized as a neighborhood with low diversity, having a white majority of 92% as of 2022. This classification is based on a racial group comprising over 75% of the population. The neighborhood's median income was $72,788 in 2022, indicating a relatively affluent community. North Old Town's proximity to Iowa State University likely influences its demographic and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, North Old Town has experienced fluctuations in its racial composition, while remaining predominantly a white majority area. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood showed signs of transitioning towards moderate diversity. The percentage of white residents decreased from 92% in 2013 to 74% in 2019, while the black population increased from 1% to 14% during the same period. This shift temporarily changed the neighborhood's categorization from low diversity to moderate diversity.
The trend reversed in recent years. By 2022, the neighborhood returned to its low diversity status with the white population reaching 92% again. This fluctuation suggests a transitional community dynamic, where demographic changes were observed but not sustained long-term.
The median income in North Old Town has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $59,184 in 2013 to $72,788 in 2022, representing a 23% increase. There was a significant increase in 2021 with a median income of $81,270, followed by a decrease in 2022. These economic changes coincided with demographic shifts, suggesting a potential correlation.
During the period of increased diversity (2015-2019), the median income saw steady growth, rising from $63,579 to $73,572. This could indicate that the increased diversity may have been linked to economic opportunities attracting a more varied population.
The population has fluctuated, with a general upward trend from 1,471 in 2013 to 1,624 in 2022, peaking at 1,916 in 2019. The peak in population coincided with the period of highest diversity, suggesting that the increased diversity may have been driven by population growth.
The demographic trends in North Old Town diverge somewhat from national trends, which generally show increasing diversity in urban areas. The neighborhood's reversion to a predominantly white population in recent years contrasts with many U.S. cities experiencing sustained increases in diversity.
The economic growth in North Old Town aligns with broader trends of increasing median incomes in many U.S. urban areas, particularly those associated with universities. The proximity to Iowa State University likely contributes to both the economic stability and the potential for demographic fluctuations, as student and faculty populations can significantly influence local demographics.
North Old Town presents a case of a neighborhood that briefly trended towards increased diversity but ultimately maintained its status as a predominantly white, economically stable area. This pattern may reflect the dynamics of a university-adjacent neighborhood, where transient student populations and economic factors tied to the institution play significant roles in shaping local demographics and economics.
