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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sterling Hills, a neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado, has transitioned from a White Majority to a Moderate Diversity profile between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, the community has no clear racial majority, with White (37%), Black (21%), Hispanic (20%), and Asian (16%) populations forming a diverse mix. The neighborhood's median income of $81,655 in 2022 indicates an upper-middle-class economic status, although this represents a significant decrease from previous years. Sterling Hills is located near the Aurora Reservoir, which provides recreational opportunities for residents.
Over the past decade, Sterling Hills has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having a White Majority, with 53% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this had shifted to a Moderate Diversity classification. The most notable changes include a decline in the white population from 53% in 2013 to 37% in 2022, an increase in the Black population from 16% to 21%, growth in the Hispanic population from 15% to 20%, and a rise in the Asian population from 12% to 16%. This evolution indicates a trend towards increasing diversity, with the neighborhood transitioning to a more balanced multicultural community.
The demographic shifts in Sterling Hills have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the median income remained relatively stable around $100,000. However, there was a sharp decline in 2020 to $82,374, followed by a recovery in 2021 to $100,696, before dropping again in 2022 to $81,655. These economic fluctuations coincide with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The initial stability in median income during the early stages of demographic change suggests that the influx of diverse populations included middle to upper-middle-class households. The recent declines in median income, particularly in 2020 and 2022, may be attributed to broader economic factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
The demographic shifts observed in Sterling Hills align with broader trends seen in many suburban areas across the United States. Many formerly majority-white suburbs have been experiencing increased diversity over the past decade, often referred to as the "suburbanization of diversity." This trend is particularly noticeable in areas surrounding major metropolitan centers, as is the case with Aurora's proximity to Denver.
The economic fluctuations, especially the sharp declines in 2020 and 2022, likely reflect national economic challenges related to the pandemic and subsequent inflation. However, the neighborhood's median income remains above the national average, indicating that despite recent declines, Sterling Hills continues to be an economically stable community.
Sterling Hills exemplifies a Transitional Community, evolving from a White Majority suburb to a more diverse, multicultural neighborhood. This transformation reflects broader national trends in suburban demographics while maintaining a relatively high economic status despite recent challenges. The neighborhood's ability to attract and retain a diverse population while sustaining above-average income levels suggests a dynamic and resilient community adapting to changing social and economic landscapes.