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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Downtown Las Vegas: A Moderate Diversity Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Downtown Las Vegas is characterized as a Moderate Diversity neighborhood with a Hispanic plurality. As of 2022, the area has a population of 11,376 and a median income of $28,111. This urban core of Las Vegas is known for its entertainment scene, including the Fremont Street Experience.
Over the past decade, Downtown Las Vegas has maintained its status as a Moderate Diversity area, but with notable shifts. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White plurality (42%), which transitioned to a Hispanic plurality by 2020 (30%). The Black population has remained relatively stable, around 21-22% throughout the period. There has been a slight increase in the Asian population and those identifying as two or more races.
The demographic shifts in Downtown Las Vegas correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $18,566 to $28,111, representing a 51% increase. This economic improvement coincides with the shift towards greater diversity and the rise of the Hispanic plurality. The population has remained relatively stable over this period, fluctuating between about 11,000 and 12,000 residents.
The peak median income of $30,144 in 2021 followed by a slight decrease in 2022 may indicate some economic volatility, possibly related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Las Vegas's tourism-dependent economy.
The demographic shifts in Downtown Las Vegas mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban cores. Many U.S. cities have seen growth in Hispanic populations and a decline in the proportion of White residents in central areas. The significant income growth in Downtown Las Vegas outpaces national averages for urban core areas. However, the median income in Downtown Las Vegas remains below the national median.
The stability of the population size in Downtown Las Vegas is somewhat unique, as many urban cores have experienced either significant growth or decline. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, suggests a neighborhood in transition that is balancing economic development with maintaining its existing community fabric.
