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Demographic Evolution of the Estates at Spectrum: A Study of Racial Composition in an Affluent Gilbert Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Estates at Spectrum in Gilbert, Arizona, is classified as a "White Majority" community as of 2022, with 68% of the population identifying as white. The neighborhood has a median income of $118,045, which is above the national average. The area is located near the San Tan Village, a major shopping and entertainment destination.
Over the past decade, the Estates at Spectrum has experienced demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Low Diversity" with a 76% white population. By 2022, it had shifted towards "Moderate Diversity," with increases in Asian and Hispanic populations from 10% and 5% in 2013 to 15% and 9% in 2022, respectively. Between 2017 and 2019, the community briefly approached classification as a "Transitional Community," with the Hispanic population peaking at 16% and the white population reaching its lowest point at 66%.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic trends. The median income has fluctuated but remained high, with a peak of $143,691 in 2014. The periods of increased diversity coincided with a slight decrease in median income, though it remained above $120,000. The population has grown from 1,452 in 2013 to 2,758 in 2022, indicating the neighborhood's increasing attractiveness.
The demographic evolution of the Estates at Spectrum reflects broader trends observed in many affluent suburbs across the United States. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly among Asian and Hispanic populations, aligns with national patterns of suburban diversification. However, the neighborhood's consistently high median income distinguishes it from many areas experiencing similar demographic shifts.
Compared to national trends, the Estates at Spectrum's transition has been more gradual and economically stable. While many diverse suburban areas have experienced more significant changes in racial composition and sometimes accompanying economic challenges, this neighborhood has maintained its economic status while slowly increasing its diversity.
This pattern indicates a balance between maintaining the area's economic appeal and embracing demographic change. The steady influx of diverse, high-income residents suggests that the Estates at Spectrum is evolving into a multicultural, affluent enclave, potentially providing a model for sustainable suburban diversification in the context of economic prosperity.
