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Demographic Evolution of Des Moines: White Majority and Racial Diversity Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Des Moines, Iowa's capital city, exhibits a demographic evolution from 2013 to 2022. The city maintains a "White Majority" status with 62% of the population identifying as white in 2022, down from 68% in 2013. This decline indicates a trend towards increasing diversity. The median income in Des Moines was $58,018 in 2022, reflecting moderate economic standing with fluctuations over the decade.
The Hispanic population in Des Moines has shown growth, increasing from 13% in 2013 to 15% in 2021, before decreasing to 13% in 2022. The Black population has fluctuated, reaching 15% in 2022. These shifts suggest a move towards "Moderate Diversity," with three racial groups (White, Hispanic, and Black) each representing over 10% of the population.
The median income in Des Moines has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $45,110 in 2013 to $58,018 in 2022, with a peak of $60,693 in 2021. This economic growth coincides with increasing diversity. Population figures have remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 207,293 in 2013 to 210,936 in 2022.
The trends observed in Des Moines align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in Hispanic and Black populations mirrors similar trends in many Midwestern cities transitioning from predominantly white communities to more diverse urban centers.
Based on observed trends, Des Moines appears to be on a trajectory towards becoming a "Transitional Community." Predictions suggest that the white population may decrease below 60% in the next 5-10 years, potentially shifting the city from a "White Majority" to a "White Plurality" or "Majority-Minority" community. The Hispanic and Black populations are likely to continue growing, possibly reaching or exceeding 15-20% each. The Asian population shows potential for growth, having increased from 4% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
The city may transition into the "High Diversity" category within the next decade if three or more racial groups each exceed 10% of the population and no single group dominates above 40%. Economically, if the upward trend in median income continues, it could attract more diverse, skilled professionals, further accelerating the demographic shift.
Des Moines is undergoing a gradual but significant demographic transformation, moving from a predominantly white city to a more diverse urban center. This change, coupled with economic growth, suggests a dynamic future for the city, potentially positioning it as a more competitive and culturally rich metropolitan area in the Midwest.
