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Demographic Analysis of River West: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
River West, a neighborhood in Bend, Oregon, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a strong White Majority. The neighborhood's population in 2022 was 7,420, with a median income of $79,455. River West is located near the Deschutes River and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, River West maintained a Low Diversity profile with a White Majority. The white population remained above 80% during this time, increasing from 81% in 2017 to 87% in 2022. This indicates a trend towards decreased diversity in recent years.
Several demographic shifts occurred during this period. The Hispanic population peaked at 11% in 2017 but decreased to 5% by 2022. The population identifying as two or more races increased steadily from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The Asian population emerged with 1% representation from 2019 onwards. Despite these changes, the neighborhood remained in the Low Diversity category throughout the decade.
The median income in River West fluctuated but showed an overall upward trend. It decreased from $76,434 in 2013 to $68,489 in 2016, then increased significantly to $92,168 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $79,455 in 2022. This economic growth correlates with the increasing white majority and may suggest gentrification processes. The decline in the Hispanic population coincides with periods of rapid income growth, potentially indicating displacement due to rising costs of living.
The population of River West grew steadily from 5,750 in 2013 to 7,420 in 2022, a 29% increase. This growth, combined with rising incomes, suggests that River West has become an increasingly desirable and possibly expensive area to live.
The trends in River West reflect broader patterns seen in many desirable urban areas across the United States. The increasing median income and growing white majority are consistent with gentrification processes observed in many attractive urban neighborhoods nationwide. The decrease in Hispanic population amid rising incomes mirrors trends in other gentrifying areas where minority communities are often priced out. The increase in residents identifying as two or more races aligns with national trends of growing multiracial identification.
River West's persistently low diversity contrasts with many urban areas that are becoming more diverse. This could be attributed to Bend's overall demographic makeup, which is predominantly white, and its reputation as an outdoor recreation destination that may attract a specific demographic.
In conclusion, River West has experienced economic growth and population increase over the past decade while maintaining its Low Diversity status with a strong White Majority. The subtle demographic shifts and significant income changes suggest a neighborhood undergoing gentrification, potentially at the expense of its minority communities, particularly Hispanic residents. These trends raise questions about affordability, inclusivity, and the long-term social fabric of the neighborhood.
