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Demographic and Racial Trends in Desert Highland/Gateway: A Majority-Minority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Desert Highland/Gateway neighborhood in Palm Springs, California, is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 2,540 and a median income of $40,071. This area is historically significant as one of the first African American communities in Palm Springs, which has influenced its current demographic composition.
Over the past decade, Desert Highland/Gateway has experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, the community had "Moderate Diversity" with no clear racial majority. By 2018, it had become a "Majority-Minority" community, with Hispanic residents comprising the largest group at 48%. The Hispanic population increased from 40% in 2013 to 47% in 2021, before decreasing to 40% in 2022. The Black population rose from 12% in 2013 to 31% in 2022, making it a "Transitional Community" in terms of Black representation. The White population declined from 33% in 2013 to 25% in 2022.
These demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. The median income peaked in 2014 at $52,598 but has since experienced a general decline. A significant drop occurred between 2019 and 2020, with median income falling from $38,664 to $29,736, coinciding with a sharp increase in the Black population and a decrease in the White population. There has been a slight recovery in median income since 2020, rising to $40,071 in 2022, alongside a stabilization of racial demographics.
The demographic changes in Desert Highland/Gateway reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The significant growth in the Black population may be related to the neighborhood's historical significance as an African American community in Palm Springs. The economic challenges faced by this neighborhood, as evidenced by the declining median income, are reflective of wider income disparities often seen in diverse, urban communities across the United States. The recent uptick in median income since 2020 could indicate a potential economic recovery or changing dynamics within the community.
The Desert Highland/Gateway neighborhood has maintained its status as a diverse, majority-minority community over the past decade, with significant shifts in its racial composition. These demographic changes have been accompanied by economic challenges, as reflected in the fluctuating median income. The neighborhood's evolution showcases the complex interplay between racial demographics and economic factors in urban American communities.
