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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Del Monte Beach: From Moderate to Low Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Del Monte Beach, a neighborhood in Monterey, California, currently falls under the category of "Low Diversity" with a clear White Majority. As of 2022, 81% of the population identifies as white, with a median income of $157,474. This affluent coastal community is known for its pristine beaches and proximity to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which likely influences its demographic and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Del Monte Beach has undergone a notable transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having "Moderate Diversity," with a significant Hispanic population (20%) and a notable two or more races category (14%). However, by 2022, the area had shifted to "Low Diversity" with a strong White Majority.
This transition appears to have occurred gradually, with the white population percentage increasing from 62% in 2013 to 81% in 2022. Simultaneously, there was a significant decrease in the Hispanic population (from 20% to 11%) and those identifying as two or more races (from 14% to 2%).
The Asian population showed some fluctuation, peaking at 16% in 2019 before declining to 4% by 2022. This could indicate a brief period of increasing diversity followed by a trend towards homogeneity.
The shift towards a more homogeneous racial composition correlates strongly with a dramatic increase in median income. In 2013, the median income was $86,844, but by 2022 it had risen to $157,474, an increase of over 81%. This substantial growth in income levels may have played a role in the demographic shifts, potentially pricing out some minority groups and attracting more affluent, predominantly white residents.
The population has remained relatively stable over this period, fluctuating between 449 and 657 residents, suggesting that the changes are more likely due to turnover in the existing housing stock rather than significant new development.
The trends observed in Del Monte Beach appear to run counter to many national trends, which generally show increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. The dramatic increase in median income is also notable, far outpacing national averages. This could be indicative of a broader trend of gentrification in desirable coastal areas, where affluent individuals, often predominantly white, move into previously more diverse neighborhoods.
The decrease in diversity and increase in affluence may have implications for the local community, potentially affecting local businesses, school demographics, and community dynamics. It may also raise questions about housing affordability and access for a diverse population in this desirable coastal location.
Del Monte Beach has undergone a significant demographic and economic transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse community to a highly affluent, predominantly white neighborhood. These changes reflect complex interplays between economics, housing markets, and demographic trends, and may have far-reaching impacts on the character and future of this coastal community.
