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Demographic and Economic Trends in Spyglass Estates: A Study of Racial Composition and Income
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Spyglass Estates in Mesa, Arizona, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a White Majority comprising 87% of the population as of 2022. The neighborhood's median income increased from $107,638 in 2013 to $170,191 in 2022, indicating a highly affluent community. Spyglass Estates is known for its desert landscapes and luxury homes, attracting high-income residents.
Over the past decade, Spyglass Estates has maintained its status as a White Majority community, with fluctuations in diversity levels. In 2013, the neighborhood showed Moderate Diversity, with a 17% Asian population alongside the 79% White majority. By 2022, the community transitioned to Low Diversity, with the White population increasing to 87% and other racial groups declining in representation.
A significant shift occurred between 2017 and 2018, where the Asian population decreased from 19% to 5%, while the White population increased from 74% to 87%. This change suggests potential triggers such as changes in local employment opportunities or housing market dynamics that may have influenced residential patterns.
The demographic shifts in Spyglass Estates correlate with economic trends. As the community became less diverse and more predominantly White, median incomes rose significantly. From 2013 to 2022, median income increased by nearly 58%, from $107,638 to $170,191. This trend suggests that as the neighborhood became more homogeneous, it also became more affluent.
Population figures fluctuated over the years, peaking at 541 residents in 2016 before declining to 383 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with rising incomes, might indicate a trend towards larger, more expensive homes replacing smaller residences, potentially pricing out some previous residents and contributing to the reduced diversity.
The trends observed in Spyglass Estates contrast with many national trends towards increasing diversity in suburban areas. While many U.S. suburbs have experienced growing racial and ethnic diversity over the past decade, Spyglass Estates has moved in the opposite direction, becoming less diverse.
The rapid income growth in Spyglass Estates outpaces national averages. While U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Spyglass Estates saw a 58% increase, indicating exceptional economic growth within this community.
These trends suggest that Spyglass Estates may be experiencing a form of "suburban gentrification," where an already affluent area is becoming more exclusive. This process could have implications for housing affordability and socioeconomic diversity in the broader Mesa area, potentially contributing to regional patterns of economic segregation.
Spyglass Estates presents a case of increasing affluence coupled with decreasing diversity, contrary to national trends towards suburban diversification. This trajectory raises questions about long-term community sustainability and inclusivity, as well as potential impacts on the wider Mesa community's social and economic fabric.
