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Demographic Analysis of Southwestern Hills: A Study of Racial Composition and Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Southwestern Hills, a neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area as of 2022, with a white majority comprising 77% of the population. The median income in 2022 was $74,540, indicating a relatively affluent community. The neighborhood is known for its views of downtown Des Moines and the Raccoon River.
Over the past decade, Southwestern Hills has experienced changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had an 83% white population. By 2018, it had shifted towards "Moderate Diversity," with the white population decreasing to 72% and the black population increasing to 17%. However, by 2022, the community returned to "Low Diversity" status, albeit with a more diverse mix than in 2013.
The black population grew from 8% in 2013 to a peak of 17% in 2018, before declining to 7% in 2022. The Hispanic population showed steady growth from 3% in 2013 to 11% in 2022, indicating a potential "Transitional Community" status for this group.
The median income in Southwestern Hills has fluctuated over the years, showing an overall upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $71,782, rising to a peak of $86,316 in 2021 before settling at $74,540 in 2022. This economic growth coincided with periods of increased diversity.
The population of Southwestern Hills grew from 7,260 in 2013 to a peak of 7,932 in 2017, coinciding with the period of increasing diversity. However, the population has since declined to 6,789 in 2022, which correlates with the reversal towards lower diversity.
The demographic shifts in Southwestern Hills reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. However, the neighborhood's reversion to lower diversity in recent years contrasts with the continued diversification seen in many U.S. suburbs. The growth in the Hispanic population aligns with national trends.
The neighborhood's median income remains above the national median ($70,784 in 2021), indicating that Southwestern Hills maintains its status as an affluent area despite demographic fluctuations. This economic resilience amidst changing demographics suggests that the neighborhood has attracted diverse, high-income residents, even as its overall diversity has decreased in recent years.
Southwestern Hills presents a complex picture of demographic and economic change. While it has experienced periods of increasing diversity, particularly between 2013 and 2018, recent trends show a return to a more homogeneous racial composition. However, the steady increase in the Hispanic population and the maintenance of high median incomes suggest that the neighborhood continues to evolve, balancing economic prosperity with changing demographic patterns.
