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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Chesterfield Neighborhood, Des Moines (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Chesterfield neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, exhibited significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. As of 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 1,647 with 631 estimated housing units. It is classified as a "Majority-Minority" area, where no single racial group comprises more than 50% of the population. The median income in 2022 was $42,333, indicating a working-class community with moderate economic resources. The neighborhood has experienced notable demographic shifts over the past decade, reflecting broader trends of increasing diversity in urban areas across the United States.
In 2013, Chesterfield was classified as having a "White Majority," with 55% of the population identifying as white. Over the next decade, the neighborhood transitioned through several categories. From 2014 to 2017, it shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with white residents maintaining a plurality but no longer a majority. By 2018, the community entered a "Transitional" phase, with the Hispanic population showing significant growth. From 2019 onwards, Chesterfield solidified its status as a "Majority-Minority" area, with the combined minority populations consistently exceeding 50% of the total.
The most significant change has been the substantial increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 23% in 2013 to 40% in 2022. Concurrently, the white population decreased from 55% to 37% over the same period. This shift likely reflects broader patterns of urban migration and changing settlement patterns among Hispanic communities in the Midwest.
The demographic changes in Chesterfield have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2016, median income remained relatively stable, ranging from $29,090 to $34,148. A significant increase occurred in 2017, with median income rising to $41,710, coinciding with the neighborhood's transition to a more diverse demographic makeup. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend shows an increase in median income, reaching $42,333 in 2022. This economic growth, occurring simultaneously with increasing diversity, suggests that the neighborhood's demographic changes may be linked to economic opportunities attracting a more diverse population.
The demographic shifts in Chesterfield mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many Midwestern cities have experienced similar patterns of growing Hispanic populations and declining white majorities over the past decade. The economic resilience of the neighborhood, as evidenced by the rising median income, is noteworthy given the challenges faced by many urban communities during this period, including the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The transition from a white-majority neighborhood to a majority-minority area within a decade is a significant change that likely has had effects on local culture, businesses, and community dynamics. This rapid demographic shift may have brought both challenges and opportunities, potentially requiring adjustments in local services, education, and community engagement strategies to meet the needs of a more diverse population.
Chesterfield's evolution over the past decade exemplifies the dynamic nature of urban demographics in America. The neighborhood's transition to a majority-minority status, coupled with economic growth, presents a picture of change that reflects broader societal trends towards increasing diversity and the economic integration of minority communities in urban settings.
