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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Dava-Lakeshore Neighborhood: Transition to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Dava-Lakeshore neighborhood in Tempe, Arizona, is classified as a "White Majority" community with a median income of $94,813 as of 2022. This classification is based on the white population comprising 65% of the total, exceeding the 50% threshold for a racial majority. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with its median income increasing by over 30% since 2013. Dava-Lakeshore is located near Tempe Town Lake, a recreational attraction that may have influenced local property values and demographics.
Over the past decade, Dava-Lakeshore has transitioned from "Moderate Diversity" to "White Majority." In 2013, the neighborhood displayed characteristics of "Moderate Diversity," with white (50%), Hispanic (29%), and Asian (6%) populations. By 2022, the white population increased to 65%, solidifying the neighborhood's status as a "White Majority" area. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, ranging between 28-37% over the decade. The Asian population decreased from 10% in 2015 to 2% in 2022. The Black population decreased from 2-3% in the early 2010s to 0% by 2022.
The demographic shifts in Dava-Lakeshore correlate with significant economic changes. The median income rose from $72,756 in 2013 to $94,813 in 2022, an increase of about 30%. This economic growth coincided with the increase in the white population percentage and the decrease in other racial groups. The population of the neighborhood has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 1,500 and 2,100 residents over the decade. The peak median income of $97,807 in 2019 coincided with the highest percentage of white residents (68% in 2020), reinforcing the correlation between racial composition and economic status in the neighborhood.
The trends observed in Dava-Lakeshore reflect patterns of gentrification seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in median income and the shift towards a white majority are often indicators of neighborhood "upgrading," which can bring both positive and negative impacts to long-term residents.
Compared to national trends, Dava-Lakeshore's median income growth outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Dava-Lakeshore's grew by 30%, indicating a more rapid pace of economic change. The decrease in diversity in Dava-Lakeshore contrasts with many urban areas that are becoming more diverse. This could suggest that Tempe, or at least this particular neighborhood, is experiencing unique local factors driving its demographic evolution, possibly related to its location near Tempe Town Lake and associated development.
Dava-Lakeshore has transformed from a moderately diverse, middle-income area to a more affluent, predominantly white neighborhood over the past decade. This change aligns with patterns of gentrification seen in many urban areas but occurs at a more accelerated pace, potentially driven by local factors such as proximity to attractive amenities and targeted development strategies.
