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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Smokerise Valley, Flagstaff: A Transition to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Smokerise Valley in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a community that has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The neighborhood has transitioned from a moderately diverse community to one with a White majority. In 2013, the community had a diverse composition with 45% White, 31% Hispanic, and 21% Native American populations. By 2022, the White population increased to 67%, while the Hispanic population decreased to 13%, and the Native American population remained at 13%.
The transition to a White majority occurred gradually. The White population achieved plurality status around 2017 at 61% and continued to increase in subsequent years. The Hispanic population experienced the most significant change, decreasing from a peak of 42% in 2016 to 13% in 2022. These demographic shifts have been accompanied by changes in the community's median income.
The median income in Smokerise Valley showed fluctuations corresponding to the demographic changes. In 2013, when the community was more diverse, the median income was $63,521. As the White population began to increase, the median income rose, reaching a peak of $71,988 in 2015. However, as the community became more firmly established as a White majority, the median income began to decline, reaching $54,802 in 2022.
The economic trajectory of Smokerise Valley demonstrates an initial period of growth followed by decline. This trend suggests that the initial stages of demographic change were associated with economic growth, while the longer-term transition to a less diverse community coincided with economic challenges. The population of the neighborhood has remained relatively stable during this period, fluctuating between approximately 2,200 and 2,700 residents.
The demographic shifts observed in Smokerise Valley contrast with national trends, which generally show increasing diversity in many communities across the United States. The decline in the Hispanic population is particularly notable, given that many areas of the Southwest have experienced growth in this demographic. The economic trajectory of Smokerise Valley, with its peak in the mid-2010s followed by a decline, reflects some broader national trends related to post-recession recovery and subsequent challenges. However, the magnitude of the income decline in Smokerise Valley is more pronounced than national averages, suggesting the influence of local factors.
Smokerise Valley has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse community to one with a clear White majority. This demographic shift has been accompanied by complex economic changes. These trends raise questions about the factors driving demographic change in the area and the relationship between diversity and economic prosperity in this specific context.
