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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Aurora Highlands, Colorado: From White Plurality to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Aurora Highlands, a neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado, currently exhibits characteristics of a Moderate Diversity community with a Hispanic Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 12,540 and a median income of $80,781. Aurora Highlands is located near the Denver International Airport and has experienced significant development in recent years, attracting a diverse mix of residents.
Over the past decade, Aurora Highlands has undergone a notable transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having a White Plurality, with 46% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, the community had transitioned to a Hispanic Plurality, with Hispanic residents comprising 32% of the population, while the white population decreased to 35%. This shift aligns with the definition of a Transitional Community, as there is a consistent increase in the Hispanic population from 18% in 2013 to 32% in 2022. The community has maintained its status as a Majority-Minority area throughout this period, with the combined minority population consistently exceeding 50%.
The Black population has remained relatively stable, hovering around 20-22% throughout the decade, contributing to the neighborhood's Moderate Diversity classification. The Asian population decreased slightly from 11% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, but still maintains a significant presence. The demographic shifts in Aurora Highlands correlate with a notable increase in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income rose from $61,726 to $80,781, representing a 30.9% increase. This economic growth may have attracted a more diverse population, particularly Hispanic residents, who might have been drawn to improving economic opportunities in the area.
The population has grown during this period, from 11,229 in 2013 to 12,540 in 2022, an 11.7% increase. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes, suggests that Aurora Highlands has become an increasingly desirable place to live, potentially driving both its economic and demographic changes.
The demographic shifts observed in Aurora Highlands align with broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. The increasing Hispanic population reflects national demographic trends, where the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the country. The economic growth in Aurora Highlands outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), Aurora Highlands saw a much more substantial increase of 30.9%. This suggests that the neighborhood has experienced stronger economic growth than many other areas in the country.
The transition from a White Plurality to a Hispanic Plurality, while maintaining Moderate Diversity, indicates that Aurora Highlands is evolving into a more multicultural community. This shift reflects broader patterns of increasing diversity in American suburbs, particularly those near major metropolitan areas like Denver. Aurora Highlands exemplifies a dynamic, evolving community that has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade. Its transition to a Hispanic Plurality, coupled with strong economic growth, positions it as a microcosm of broader national trends towards increasing diversity and suburban development.
