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Demographic and Racial Composition of Northwest Aurora: A Study of a Majority-Minority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Northwest Aurora, a neighborhood in Aurora, Illinois, is characterized as a Majority-Minority community with a Hispanic Majority. As of 2022, the Hispanic population comprises 54% of the neighborhood, with no other racial group exceeding 25%. The median income of $54,658 in 2022 indicates a working-class to lower-middle-class economic profile. Northwest Aurora is known for its diverse cultural influences, particularly in local cuisine and community events celebrating its multicultural heritage.
Over the past decade, Northwest Aurora has maintained its status as a Majority-Minority community, with the Hispanic population forming the Racial Majority. The Hispanic population has remained the largest group, fluctuating between 51-57% over the years. The Black population has shown a gradual increase from 13% in 2013 to 18% in 2022. The White population has decreased from 27% in 2013 to 22% in 2022. There has been a slight increase in Asian and multiracial populations, though they remain relatively small percentages of the overall population.
The median income in Northwest Aurora has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $44,877 in 2013 to $54,658 in 2022, an increase of about 22% over nine years. This growth in median income correlates with the demographic shifts. The increase in median income coincides with the slight increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Black and Asian populations. The consistent Hispanic majority has coincided with steady economic growth. While the population has decreased from 10,293 in 2013 to 8,575 in 2022, the median income has risen.
The trends in Northwest Aurora reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen similar shifts in traditionally white suburbs becoming more diverse, often led by growing Hispanic and Asian populations. The economic growth in Northwest Aurora, while positive, may not be keeping pace with national averages, as the median household income for the U.S. in 2022 was around $70,000.
The population decline in Northwest Aurora contrasts with the overall growth trend of Aurora, which has been one of the fastest-growing cities in Illinois. This suggests that while the city as a whole is attracting new residents, Northwest Aurora may be experiencing some unique challenges or changes that are prompting outmigration.
Northwest Aurora presents a picture of a stable Majority-Minority community with a strong Hispanic presence, slowly trending towards increased diversity. While facing some population loss, the neighborhood has seen steady economic improvement, suggesting resilience and adaptation in the face of demographic changes. The challenge moving forward will be to maintain this economic growth while addressing the factors contributing to population decline and ensuring that the benefits of economic improvement are felt across all demographic groups.
