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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in South Renton, Washington: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Renton, a neighborhood in Renton, Washington, exhibits characteristics of a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 4,376 and a median income of $40,455. South Renton is located near the Boeing Renton Factory, a significant employer in the area.
Over the past decade, South Renton has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority, with 52% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, the community had shifted to a Majority-Minority status with Moderate Diversity. The white population decreased to 35%, while Hispanic and Asian populations increased significantly.
The shift can be attributed to several factors. The Hispanic population grew from 8% in 2013 to 27% in 2022. The Asian population increased steadily, fluctuating between 10-15% throughout the decade. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races rose from 7% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. These changes indicate that South Renton has become a Transitional Community, moving towards increased diversity over the years.
The demographic shifts in South Renton have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. In 2013, the median income was $44,805, which dropped to $33,734 in 2014. This coincided with an increase in racial diversity, particularly growth in the Hispanic and Black populations. From 2014 to 2019, there was a general upward trend in median income, peaking at $53,998 in 2019. This period saw relative stability in the racial composition, with gradual increases in diversity. From 2020 to 2022, median income decreased again to $40,455, coinciding with further increases in the Hispanic population and decreases in the white and Black populations.
The demographic shifts observed in South Renton align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. Many cities across the United States have seen similar transitions from white-majority to majority-minority status over the past decade. The economic fluctuations in South Renton, particularly the dip in median income following increased diversity and subsequent recovery, are reflective of patterns seen in other transitioning communities. This often occurs as new immigrant or minority populations establish themselves economically over time.
The specific dynamics of South Renton, such as the significant growth in the Hispanic population and the potential influence of the nearby Boeing factory, may be unique to this area and could be driving local demographic and economic trends in ways that differ from national averages. South Renton's evolution over the past decade exemplifies the interplay between demographic shifts and economic trends in American communities. As the neighborhood continues to transition towards greater diversity, it will be important to monitor how these changes impact local economic opportunities, community dynamics, and overall quality of life for residents.
