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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Third Cherry Creek, Aurora: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Third Cherry Creek neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. As of 2022, it is classified as a "White Plurality" community with moderate diversity. The white population comprises 57% of residents, followed by Hispanic (15%) and Asian (12%) populations. The neighborhood has transitioned from low diversity to its current more diverse state over the past decade. The median income in 2022 was $61,134, indicating a middle-class suburban area. Third Cherry Creek is located near Cherry Creek State Park, providing residents with access to outdoor recreational activities.
In 2013, Third Cherry Creek was categorized as "Low Diversity" with a "White Majority" (71%). The neighborhood experienced a transition towards greater diversity over the following decade. By 2018, it had shifted to a "White Plurality" (51%) and was classified as "Moderate Diversity" with significant representation from Hispanic (21%) and Asian (14%) populations. In 2020, there was a temporary increase in the Asian population (27%), briefly categorizing the area as "High Diversity," before returning to "Moderate Diversity" in subsequent years.
The factors contributing to these shifts likely include increased immigration and internal migration patterns favoring diverse suburban areas, possible urban development and housing initiatives attracting a more diverse population, and the neighborhood's proximity to Denver, which may have attracted a more diverse workforce as the metro area expanded.
The median income in Third Cherry Creek has shown overall growth from $45,356 in 2013 to $61,134 in 2022, an increase of approximately 34.8%. This economic improvement correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The rising income levels may have attracted a more diverse, skilled workforce to the area. Conversely, the influx of diverse populations might have contributed to economic growth through increased entrepreneurship and cultural capital. There was a significant drop in median income in 2020 to $50,753, likely due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The quick recovery in 2021 and 2022 suggests resilience in the local economy.
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 1,041 in 2013 to 1,368 in 2022, a 31.4% increase. This growth aligns with the diversification trend, suggesting that the neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to various demographic groups.
The demographic shifts in Third Cherry Creek reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have been transitioning from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past two decades. The economic growth in Third Cherry Creek also aligns with national trends of economic recovery post-2008 recession and post-COVID-19 pandemic. The neighborhood's median income growth (34.8% from 2013 to 2022) outpaces the national median household income growth, which was about 23% during a similar period (2010 to 2020). This suggests that Third Cherry Creek may be experiencing more robust economic growth compared to national averages, possibly due to its increasing diversity and proximity to the economically vibrant Denver metro area.
Third Cherry Creek has evolved from a low-diversity, white-majority suburb to a moderately diverse, economically growing neighborhood. This transition reflects broader national trends but also highlights the unique attributes of this Aurora community, potentially making it an attractive destination for a diverse range of residents seeking economic opportunities and quality of life in a suburban setting.
