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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Alta Mesa, a neighborhood in Monterey, California, exhibits characteristics of a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 69% of the total, with significant representation from Hispanic (12%) and multiracial (8%) groups. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth, with median income rising from $50,690 in 2013 to $80,046 in 2022, suggesting a trend of increasing affluence. Alta Mesa is known for its proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which likely influences its local economy and attracts a diverse mix of residents and visitors.
Over the past decade, Alta Mesa has maintained its status as a "White Majority" community, but with fluctuations in diversity. From 2013-2016, the neighborhood showed signs of transitioning towards higher diversity. The Asian population increased from 7% to 15%, while the Hispanic population decreased from 20% to 11%. From 2016-2018, a period of "Moderate Diversity" emerged, with white (74%), Asian (11%), and Hispanic (9%) populations each having significant representation. From 2019-2022, the community reverted to a more stable "White Majority" status, but with increasing representation from multiracial groups (rising from 3% to 8%).
The demographic shifts correlate with economic trends. From 2013-2016, as the Asian population increased and diversity grew, median income rose from $50,690 to $60,653. During the period of "Moderate Diversity" from 2017-2019, income growth accelerated, with median income reaching $75,984 by 2019. From 2020-2022, as the community stabilized into a "White Majority" with increased multiracial representation, income growth slowed but continued to rise, reaching $80,046 in 2022. The overall trend shows a consistent increase in median income, which may have contributed to changes in the neighborhood's racial composition.
Alta Mesa's trends can be contextualized within broader national patterns. The increase in multiracial population aligns with national trends, as the U.S. Census reported a significant rise in people identifying as multiracial between 2010 and 2020. The substantial income growth in Alta Mesa (58% increase from 2013 to 2022) outpaces the national average, which saw about a 30% increase in median household income during a similar period. The maintenance of a white majority, despite increasing diversity, is somewhat at odds with national trends towards more diverse communities, particularly in urban areas.
Alta Mesa presents a case of a neighborhood that has maintained a white majority while experiencing significant economic growth and fluctuations in diversity. These changes reflect both local dynamics and broader national trends, suggesting a community in transition that balances traditional demographics with increasing economic opportunities and a growing multiracial population.