Loading Content...
Demographic Evolution of Drake Neighborhood: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Drake neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, currently exhibits a White Majority demographic composition, with 60% of the population identifying as white in 2022. This neighborhood shows signs of increasing diversity over the past decade. Drake has a median income of $44,504 in 2022, presenting a moderate economic profile. Drake University, a private institution, is located in this neighborhood, likely influencing its demographics and economic characteristics.
At the beginning of the decade, Drake maintained a White Majority status, with 65% of the population identifying as white in 2013. Over the years, the neighborhood has experienced a gradual shift towards increased diversity, though it has not yet transitioned to a different category. The percentage of white residents decreased from 65% in 2013 to 60% in 2022, indicating a slow but steady diversification. The Asian population increased from 3% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The Black population increased slightly from 13% to 14% during this period. These changes suggest that Drake is moving towards a Moderate Diversity classification, although it has not quite reached that threshold yet.
The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 9% and 13% throughout the decade. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races doubled from 3% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, further contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity.
The median income in Drake has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $42,412 in 2013 to $44,504 in 2022. This growth has not been consistent, with some fluctuations observed throughout the decade. The lowest point was in 2016 at $35,092, after which there was a general upward trend. The increasing diversity in the neighborhood seems to correlate with the overall increase in median income. This could suggest that the influx of diverse populations, particularly the growth in the Asian community, might be associated with economic opportunities or changes in the local job market.
The population of Drake has remained relatively stable over the decade, with a slight decrease from 11,868 in 2013 to 11,459 in 2022. This stability, combined with the increasing diversity and rising median income, might indicate a gradual gentrification process or the attraction of a more diverse, educated workforce, possibly related to Drake University's presence.
The trends observed in Drake align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar demographic shifts, with growing Asian and multiracial populations contributing to increased diversity. The presence of Drake University likely plays a significant role in shaping these demographic and economic trends. Universities often attract diverse student populations and faculty, which can influence the surrounding neighborhood's demographics. The relatively stable population numbers despite increasing diversity might suggest a turnover in residents, possibly with students and young professionals moving in and out of the area.
While Drake remains categorized as a White Majority neighborhood, it shows clear signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This demographic evolution, coupled with a general upward trend in median income, paints a picture of a neighborhood in flux, likely influenced by its proximity to a major educational institution and broader national demographic trends.
