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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Renton Park, Washington: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Renton Park, a neighborhood in Renton, Washington, has experienced significant demographic and economic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Boeing Company's 737 manufacturing plant. As of 2022, Renton Park exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with a median income of $98,310.
In 2013, Renton Park was categorized as a White Majority community, with 62% of the population identifying as white. By 2016, it shifted to a Moderate Diversity category, with the white population decreasing to 44% and significant increases in Asian and Black populations. From 2017 to 2020, the area fluctuated between White Majority and Moderate Diversity categories. In 2021 and 2022, there was a shift back towards a stronger White Majority (69% and 63% respectively), but with increased representation from Hispanic and multi-racial groups, suggesting a Transitional Community status.
The median income in Renton Park has shown a general upward trend, rising from $76,024 in 2013 to $98,310 in 2022, with a peak of $115,743 in 2021. This economic growth coincides with periods of increased diversity, particularly between 2013 and 2017 when the neighborhood transitioned from White Majority to Moderate Diversity. The population fluctuated over the decade, peaking at 1,711 in 2017 before declining to 1,034 in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Renton Park reflect broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States, where increasing diversity is often accompanied by economic growth. However, the recent trend back towards a White Majority, combined with rising incomes, diverges from national patterns of increasing diversity.
The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces national averages, with the median income increasing by about 29% from 2013 to 2022, compared to a national growth rate of around 15-20% during a similar period. This could be attributed to the influence of the nearby Boeing plant and the broader Seattle metropolitan area's robust tech-driven economy.
The fluctuations in racial composition, particularly the increases in Asian and Black populations followed by a return to White Majority, may reflect the dynamic nature of employment in the area, possibly influenced by hiring cycles at major employers like Boeing.
Renton Park presents a complex picture of demographic and economic change. While it has experienced periods of increased diversity and consistent economic growth, recent trends suggest a potential reversal in diversity gains. This pattern, combined with rising incomes, warrants further investigation into local housing policies, employment trends, and community dynamics to understand the full implications of these changes on the neighborhood's future development and social fabric.
