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Demographic and Racial Composition Analysis of Switzer Ridge/Mesa Neighborhood in Flagstaff, Arizona
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Switzer Ridge/Mesa neighborhood in Flagstaff, Arizona, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 64% of the area, with Native American and Hispanic populations at 15% and 11% respectively. The neighborhood's median income is $53,191. The area's proximity to Northern Arizona University likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Switzer Ridge/Mesa has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but with evolving diversity patterns. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population at 71% and only two other groups exceeding 10%. By 2022, the area had transitioned to Moderate Diversity, with the white population decreasing to 64% and the Native American population increasing from 10% to 15%.
The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 11% and 20% over the years. The Asian population has shown a consistent presence, growing from 3% in 2013 to 4% by 2020, before settling back at 3% in 2022. The neighborhood has also seen an increase in individuals identifying as two or more races, rising from 2% in 2019 to 5% in 2022, indicating a trend towards greater diversity.
The median income in Switzer Ridge/Mesa has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general upward trend, with median income rising from $46,117 to $58,013. In 2020 and 2021, median income spiked to $82,681 and $90,286 respectively, before declining to $53,191 in 2022.
These economic fluctuations correlate with demographic shifts. The period of highest income coincided with a peak in the Native American population percentage and a dip in the Hispanic population percentage. The subsequent income decline in 2022 occurred as the racial composition stabilized, with the white population at its lowest point in the decade and other groups maintaining significant representation.
The demographic trends in Switzer Ridge/Mesa reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity, particularly the growth in multiracial identification. The sharp economic fluctuations may be related to the broader economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts.
The neighborhood's proximity to Northern Arizona University likely contributes to its demographic composition and economic characteristics. University towns often experience more demographic fluidity and can be more resilient to economic downturns due to the stabilizing presence of an educational institution.
Switzer Ridge/Mesa exemplifies a community in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over the past decade. The economic volatility suggests a neighborhood sensitive to both local factors and broader national trends. As the community continues to diversify, it will be important to observe how these demographic shifts further impact the local economy and community dynamics.
