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Demographic Analysis of Shorewood, Burien: A White Majority Neighborhood with Evolving Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Shorewood in Burien, Washington, is classified as a "White Majority" neighborhood as of 2022, with a median income of $102,483. The area has maintained this classification throughout the analyzed period, despite some fluctuations. Shorewood's proximity to Puget Sound, offering water views and beach access, may contribute to its high median income and demographic stability.
From 2013 to 2022, Shorewood has consistently remained a "White Majority" community, with the white population ranging from 54% to 65%. The Asian population increased slightly from 12% in 2013 to 15% in 2021, before returning to 12% in 2022. The Hispanic population fluctuated, peaking at 17% in 2014 but decreasing to 10% by 2022. The Black population gradually increased from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. These changes indicate a trend towards increased diversity, potentially moving the neighborhood towards "Moderate Diversity" if these trends continue.
The median income in Shorewood has shown an upward trend, rising from $88,595 in 2013 to $102,483 in 2022, with a peak of $120,528 in 2021. This economic growth coincides with demographic shifts. The increase in median income correlates with a slight increase in the Asian population, suggesting an influx of higher-income Asian households. The rise in Black population percentage has occurred alongside the income increase, potentially indicating that incoming Black residents are in higher income brackets. The fluctuation and slight decrease in the Hispanic population percentage coincides with the overall income increase, which might suggest some displacement of lower-income Hispanic households.
The median income in Shorewood ($102,483 in 2022) is likely significantly higher than the national median income, which was around $70,000 in 2021. The persistent White Majority status of Shorewood contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly in Asian and Black populations, aligns with broader trends in many West Coast cities, which have seen growth in these demographics over the past decade.
Shorewood has maintained its White Majority status, but there are signs of increasing diversity, particularly in the Asian and Black populations. This demographic shift, coupled with rising median incomes, suggests a neighborhood in transition, potentially moving towards greater diversity while maintaining its economic affluence. The challenge for Shorewood may be to ensure that this transition promotes inclusivity and doesn't lead to displacement of long-term residents, particularly from Hispanic communities which have seen a slight decline in representation.
