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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Douglas Acres, Des Moines
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Douglas Acres, a neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, exhibits characteristics of a Transitional Community with low to moderate diversity. As of 2022, it has a population of 4,879 and a median income of $59,804. The neighborhood has historically been predominantly white, but recent years have shown a shift towards increased diversity. Douglas Acres has maintained a relatively stable population size over the past decade, fluctuating between 4,800 and 5,500 residents.
Over the past decade, Douglas Acres has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to a Transitional Community. In 2013, the white population comprised 85% of residents. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 68%. The Black population increased from 3% in 2013 to 15% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable at 6-9% throughout the decade. The Asian population and those identifying as two or more races have also seen modest increases.
The median income in Douglas Acres has increased from $45,925 in 2013 to $59,804 in 2022, representing a 30% increase over nine years. Between 2019 and 2021, median income increased from $54,680 to $61,554, a 12.6% increase in two years. This period coincided with the most significant increase in the Black population percentage, rising from 7% to 12%.
The demographic shifts in Douglas Acres align with broader trends observed in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. Many previously homogeneous communities are experiencing increased diversity, often driven by changing migration patterns, economic opportunities, and evolving social attitudes.
The income growth in Douglas Acres outpaces the national average. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the national median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2021 (adjusted for inflation), while Douglas Acres saw a 34% increase in the same period. However, Douglas Acres' median income in 2022 ($59,804) was still below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021.
Douglas Acres presents a case study of a neighborhood in transition. Its evolving demographics, coupled with income growth, indicate a community becoming more diverse and potentially more economically vibrant. These changes likely bring both opportunities and challenges as the neighborhood adapts to its changing composition and economic landscape.
