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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Westbank: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westbank, a neighborhood in Gilbert, Arizona, currently exhibits Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population comprises 61% of the neighborhood, with Hispanic (17%) and Asian (12%) residents representing significant portions. Westbank's median income of $125,222 in 2022 is considerably above the national average, indicating an affluent suburban community. The neighborhood has maintained a stable population of 700-750 residents over the past decade, suggesting a well-established area.
Over the past decade, Westbank has transitioned from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population constituting 68% of residents. By 2020, the community had shifted to a Majority-Minority status, with the white population dropping to 57%. This change reflects a broader trend of increasing diversity in suburban areas across the United States.
The most significant changes have been the steady increase in Asian representation, from 5% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, and the fluctuation in Hispanic population, which peaked at 22% in 2020 before settling at 17% in 2022. The Black population has also seen a modest increase from 4% to 6% over the decade. These shifts suggest that Westbank is becoming more attractive for diverse, high-income professionals, possibly due to job opportunities in nearby sectors.
The demographic shifts in Westbank have been accompanied by a substantial increase in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income rose from $89,946 to $125,222, a 39% increase. This economic growth correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, particularly the rise in Asian population, which often correlates with high-skilled, high-income professions.
The population has remained relatively stable despite the economic growth, suggesting that the neighborhood may be experiencing gentrification or property value increases that limit new residential development. The consistent high incomes across all demographic groups indicate that Westbank is attracting affluent residents from various backgrounds, contributing to its transition to a more diverse, yet economically homogeneous community.
The trends observed in Westbank align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near major metropolitan centers. The rapid income growth and demographic shifts suggest that Westbank may be part of a larger trend of suburban diversification and economic development seen in areas surrounding growing cities.
Compared to national averages, Westbank's median income is significantly higher, placing it among the more affluent suburban communities in the country. Its demographic evolution from a predominantly white community to one of moderate diversity mirrors trends seen in other high-income suburbs across the United States, particularly those near expanding urban centers or in regions with growing knowledge-based economies.
Westbank exemplifies a suburban neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over the past decade. This shift, coupled with substantial economic growth, indicates a community that is becoming increasingly attractive to diverse, high-income professionals. The ongoing evolution of Westbank will likely continue to shape the community's character, local policies, and social dynamics in the coming years.
