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Demographic and Racial Evolution in Cedar River Neighborhood, Waterloo, Iowa (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Cedar River neighborhood in Waterloo, Iowa, exhibited a population of 1,729 and an estimated 662 housing units in 2022. The area is classified as having "Moderate Diversity" with no clear racial majority. The white population constitutes 41%, followed by Black (24%) and Hispanic (15%) populations. The neighborhood's median income was $29,028 in 2022, below the national average. Cedar River's proximity to its namesake river has influenced its development and presents occasional flood risks.
Over the past decade, Cedar River has undergone demographic transitions. In 2013, it was a "Majority-Minority" area with Black residents forming a plurality (36%) and Hispanic residents (33%) collectively outnumbering the white population (29%). By 2016, it shifted to "Moderate Diversity," with white residents becoming the largest group (38%) but not reaching majority status. This trend continued through 2022, with fluctuations in the proportions of different racial groups.
A notable change occurred between 2019 and 2020, where the percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 1% to 10%, indicating a possible "Transitional Community" phase. This shift coincided with a decrease in Black and Hispanic populations, suggesting a complex realignment of racial identities or migration patterns.
The median income in Cedar River has shown volatility, ranging from $26,357 in 2014 to $36,891 in 2021. The highest median income coincided with the lowest population (1,549) in recent years, suggesting possible out-migration of lower-income residents or an influx of higher-earning individuals. Population fluctuations do not show consistent correlation with racial demographic shifts, indicating factors beyond race may influence migration patterns.
The demographic changes in Cedar River reflect broader national trends of increasing racial diversity, particularly the growth in multiracial identification. The increase in the "two or more races" category from 2019 to 2020 aligns with national census trends. The economic situation in Cedar River appears more challenging than national averages. The 2022 median income of $29,028 is below the national median household income of around $70,000 in the same year.
The fluctuating population and racial composition, combined with relatively low and volatile median incomes, indicate a neighborhood in transition. These changes may be influenced by broader economic pressures in Waterloo or Iowa, changing patterns of racial self-identification, and possibly gentrification or urban renewal efforts altering the neighborhood's socio-economic makeup.
