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Demographic and Economic Trends in Interbay: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Interbay, a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, is characterized as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity. In 2022, the white population comprised 70% of the neighborhood, with Asian (13%) and Hispanic (9%) populations representing significant minority groups. The median income in 2022 was $102,098, indicating an affluent area. Interbay's location between Elliott Bay and Lake Union potentially influences its desirability and demographic composition.
Over the past decade, Interbay has maintained its White Majority status while trending towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity with an 81% white population. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 70%, shifting the neighborhood into the Moderate Diversity category. The Asian population experienced the most significant growth, increasing from 7% in 2013 to 13% in 2022. The Hispanic population also grew steadily from 4% to 9% during the same period. These changes suggest a Transitional Community with increasing minority group representation.
The demographic shifts in Interbay correlate with substantial economic changes. The median income increased from $79,227 in 2013 to $102,098 in 2022, a rise of nearly 29%. This economic growth coincides with increasing diversity, suggesting that the neighborhood is attracting affluent individuals from various racial backgrounds. The population grew from 3,800 in 2013 to 4,252 in 2022, an increase of about 12%. These trends in population growth, rising incomes, and increasing diversity indicate that Interbay is becoming an increasingly desirable and economically vibrant neighborhood.
The trends observed in Interbay align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally white-majority neighborhoods are experiencing increased diversity, often accompanied by economic growth. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in tech-centric cities like Seattle, where the influx of highly skilled workers from diverse backgrounds is reshaping urban demographics.
The rapid increase in median income in Interbay outpaces national trends, suggesting particularly strong economic growth in this neighborhood. This could be attributed to Seattle's booming tech industry and Interbay's attractive location within the city. The shift towards Moderate Diversity in Interbay, while significant, is less pronounced than in some other urban neighborhoods across the country that have transitioned to High Diversity or Majority-Minority status. This suggests that while Interbay is becoming more diverse, it is doing so at a measured pace, maintaining a strong white majority while gradually incorporating a more diverse population.
Interbay represents a Transitional Community that is evolving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. These changes reflect broader urban trends but are occurring at a pace and in a manner that is unique to this Seattle neighborhood's specific context and appeal.
