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Demographic and Economic Analysis of Stestson Creek: A Predominantly White Neighborhood in Fort Collins
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Stestson Creek, a neighborhood in Fort Collins, Colorado, is characterized by low diversity with a white majority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 91% of the community, with a median household income of $124,278. The neighborhood has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade, with its median income increasing by over 35% since 2013. Stestson Creek's proximity to Colorado State University may influence its demographic composition and economic status.
Over the past decade, Stestson Creek has maintained its status as a white majority community. From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood showed signs of moving towards moderate diversity, with the white population decreasing from 84% to 79%. From 2018 to 2020, the racial composition remained relatively stable, with the white population around 80-81%. In 2021 and 2022, there was a sharp increase in the white population to 87% and 91% respectively, solidifying its classification as a low diversity area.
The neighborhood has experienced substantial economic growth. The median income rose from $91,571 in 2013 to $124,278 in 2022, a 35.7% increase. This growth correlates with the increasing white majority. From 2013 to 2017, as diversity slightly increased, median income grew steadily from $91,571 to $101,375. During the period of racial stability from 2018 to 2020, income growth continued, reaching $105,664 in 2020. The sharpest increase in median income coincided with the increase in white population in 2021 and 2022, jumping from $111,134 to $124,278.
The correlation between increasing affluence and decreasing diversity suggests that the neighborhood's economic growth may be linked to changes in its racial composition, possibly due to gentrification or changing housing market dynamics.
The trends in Stestson Creek contrast with national trends towards increasing diversity. The neighborhood's median income is significantly higher than the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that Stestson Creek is an affluent enclave within Fort Collins, potentially attracting high-income residents and possibly pricing out more diverse populations.
The proximity to Colorado State University might typically contribute to increased diversity, but in this case, it appears that the neighborhood may be attracting affluent university staff or professionals rather than a diverse student population.
Stestson Creek presents a case of a neighborhood that briefly moved towards increasing diversity but has since solidified its status as a highly affluent, predominantly white community. This trend raises questions about housing affordability, local policies, and the long-term social and economic implications of decreasing diversity in an increasingly multicultural nation.
