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Demographic Shift to Asian Majority in El Toro Marine Air Station, Irvine
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The El Toro Marine Air Station neighborhood in Irvine, California, has undergone significant demographic changes from the early 2010s to 2022. As of 2022, the neighborhood is classified as an Asian Majority community with 61% of the population identifying as Asian. The area has experienced substantial population growth, increasing from a few residents in the early 2010s to over 11,000 by 2022. This growth coincides with the redevelopment of the former military base into a mixed-use community known as the Great Park Neighborhoods. The median income of $160,257 in 2022 indicates a high-income area, significantly above the national average.
The neighborhood's demographic composition has shifted dramatically over the past decade. In the early 2010s, the area was largely unpopulated. By 2013, the community displayed Moderate Diversity, with White (43%), Hispanic (29%), and Asian (14%) populations represented. From 2014 to 2018, the neighborhood transitioned to a state of High Diversity, with no single racial group comprising more than 40% of the population. A significant change occurred around 2019 when the Asian population became the plurality at 53%. By 2020, the neighborhood had transitioned to an Asian Majority community, a status maintained through 2022 with 61% of the population identifying as Asian.
The economic trajectory of the neighborhood has been notable. Median income data from 2013 to 2022 shows considerable fluctuation but generally high figures. The median income peaked at $197,416 in 2021 before settling at $160,257 in 2022. These figures consistently place the neighborhood in a high-income bracket. The establishment of the Asian Majority coincided with a period of significant income growth. From 2019 to 2021, as the Asian population grew from 53% to 61%, the median income nearly doubled from $91,626 to $197,416. This correlation suggests a potential link between the influx of Asian residents and high-paying job opportunities in the area.
The population increase from 38 residents in 2019 to over 11,000 in 2022 indicates rapid development and urbanization. This growth likely reflects the completion and occupancy of new housing units in the Great Park Neighborhoods development.
The demographic shift in El Toro Marine Air Station is similar to broader trends in parts of California, particularly in areas with growing tech sectors. Cities like Cupertino and Fremont in the San Francisco Bay Area have seen comparable increases in Asian populations, often correlated with growth in high-tech industries. The rapid development and population growth of this neighborhood is somewhat unique, even within the context of fast-growing suburban areas. The transformation from a decommissioned military base to a thriving, high-income community in a few years demonstrates successful large-scale urban planning and development.
The high median income of the area, while not uncommon in parts of coastal California, is notable for a newly developed community. It suggests that the neighborhood has quickly established itself as a desirable location for high-earning professionals, possibly due to its proximity to job centers in Irvine and the broader Orange County area. In conclusion, the El Toro Marine Air Station neighborhood exemplifies a rapidly evolving community, transitioning from an uninhabited former military base to a densely populated, high-income area with a strong Asian Majority. This transformation reflects broader regional trends in demographic shifts and economic growth, while also showcasing the potential for large-scale urban redevelopment projects to reshape local demographics and economies.
