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Demographic Analysis of South Campus Area, Ames: Low Diversity and White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The South Campus Area neighborhood in Ames, Iowa, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile, with a White Majority of 88% as of 2022. This area is characterized by its proximity to Iowa State University, which influences its demographic makeup and economic dynamics. The median income of $45,394 in 2022 suggests a mix of student and non-student residents, reflecting the socio-economic composition of a college town neighborhood.
Over the past decade, the South Campus Area has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a strong White Majority. The White population percentage has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 87% and 91% from 2013 to 2022. There has been a slight increase in diversity, with the Two or More Races category growing from 0% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The Asian population has remained consistent at around 3-4% throughout the period. Hispanic representation has fluctuated between 2-4%, showing no clear trend.
The median income in the South Campus Area has shown significant volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general upward trend in median income, rising from $39,884 to $55,149. However, 2020 saw a sharp decline to $48,001, possibly due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, median income has fluctuated, settling at $45,394 in 2022.
These economic changes do not seem to correlate strongly with the minor demographic shifts, suggesting that other factors, such as the student population dynamics and broader economic conditions, may have a more significant impact on income levels in this area. Population trends show growth from 2013 to 2017, followed by a slight decline and then stabilization around 9,000-9,500 residents. This pattern might reflect changes in university enrollment or housing policies affecting student residency in the area.
The demographic profile of the South Campus Area, with its low diversity and high White majority, is not uncommon for college towns in the Midwest. Many similar university-adjacent neighborhoods across the region maintain predominantly White populations, often due to historical patterns of settlement and slower rates of demographic change compared to larger urban centers.
The economic volatility observed, particularly the sharp decline in 2020, likely reflects national trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the recovery pattern may be unique to college towns, where student populations and university-related employment can create more resilient local economies.
The gradual increase in residents identifying as Two or More Races aligns with national trends, as multiracial identities become more prevalent and accepted across the United States. However, the rate of change in this neighborhood appears slower than national averages, which could be attributed to its specific characteristics as a college-adjacent community with a relatively transient population.
While the South Campus Area has maintained its Low Diversity status over the past decade, subtle shifts towards increased racial representation and economic fluctuations paint a picture of a slowly evolving community, influenced by its unique position as a university neighborhood and broader national trends.
