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Demographic and Economic Trends in Hampden Ridge: A Study of Racial Diversity and Income Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Hampden Ridge, a neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado, exhibits moderate diversity with a white plurality as of 2022. The population consists of 49% white, 25% Hispanic, and 13% Black residents. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth, with the median income increasing from $67,858 in 2013 to $103,519 in 2022. Hampden Ridge has also seen substantial population growth over the past decade.
Over the past decade, Hampden Ridge has transitioned from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority with 48% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this shifted to a White Plurality at 49%. The Hispanic population increased from 17% in 2013 to 25% in 2022. The Black population grew from 7% to 13% during this period. The Asian population remained relatively stable between 4-8%, while the category of "Two or More Races" settled at 9% in 2022 after peaking at 15% in 2013.
The economic trajectory of Hampden Ridge has been positive over the past decade. The median income increased by over 52% from 2013 to 2022. This increase correlates with the demographic shifts, suggesting the neighborhood has become attractive to more affluent residents across various racial groups. The population grew from 1,495 in 2013 to 1,432 in 2022, with fluctuations in between, peaking at 1,629 in 2021.
The correlation between increasing diversity and rising incomes could indicate that the neighborhood is attracting well-educated professionals from various backgrounds. This may be due to job opportunities in the area or the appeal of Aurora as a diverse suburban community near Denver.
The trends observed in Hampden Ridge align with broader patterns seen in many suburban areas across the United States. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth of Hispanic and Black populations, reflects national demographic shifts towards more diverse communities, especially in suburban areas near major cities. The substantial increase in median income over the decade also mirrors trends seen in many growing suburban areas, particularly those attracting skilled professionals.
The stability and growth in population, despite significant income increases, indicate that Hampden Ridge has maintained a balance between growth and community stability. This could be attributed to factors such as good schools, amenities, or quality of life that continue to attract and retain residents even as the area becomes more affluent.
Hampden Ridge exemplifies a transitional community, evolving from a predominantly white neighborhood to one of moderate diversity with increasing economic prosperity. This transformation reflects broader national trends of suburban diversification and economic growth, positioning Hampden Ridge as an attractive, diverse, and increasingly affluent neighborhood within the Aurora metropolitan area.
