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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Laurelwood, Federal Way
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Laurelwood, a neighborhood in Federal Way, Washington, is classified as a "High Diversity" community as of 2022. No single racial group exceeds 40% of the population, with multiple groups significantly represented. The neighborhood's median income was $59,502 in 2022. Laurelwood's population has grown substantially over the past decade, increasing from 3,036 residents in 2010 to 4,078 in 2022.
Laurelwood has experienced significant changes in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having "Moderate Diversity" with a white plurality (43%). By 2016, it had become a "Majority-Minority" community, and by 2018, it evolved into a "High Diversity" area, maintaining this classification through 2022.
The most notable demographic changes include a decrease in the white population from 43% in 2013 to 29% in 2022, an increase in the Black population from 4% to 19%, growth in the Hispanic population from 29% to 33% in 2019 before settling at 23% in 2022, and a rise in the Pacific Islander population from negligible levels to 13% in 2020, then declining to 5% in 2022. These shifts indicate that Laurelwood has become a "Transitional Community."
The median income in Laurelwood has fluctuated over the years, showing a general downward trend from $60,716 in 2013 to $59,502 in 2022. This slight decline occurred despite substantial population growth, potentially indicating an influx of diverse, middle-income residents. The most significant drop in median income occurred between 2014 and 2015, coinciding with the transition to a "Majority-Minority" community. However, incomes have gradually recovered since then.
The demographic shifts observed in Laurelwood align with broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. The increasing diversity and transition to a majority-minority status reflect national patterns of demographic change, particularly in metropolitan areas. The slight decline in median income, despite population growth, may indicate that Laurelwood has become an attractive destination for diverse, middle-income families seeking affordable housing options in the greater Seattle metropolitan area.
Laurelwood's ability to maintain a relatively stable median income while undergoing significant demographic changes is noteworthy. It suggests that the neighborhood has integrated new residents from various backgrounds without experiencing severe economic disruption. Laurelwood's evolution over the past decade exemplifies the dynamic nature of American neighborhoods. Its transition from moderate diversity to high diversity, coupled with significant population growth and relatively stable economic indicators, demonstrates a community successfully navigating demographic change while maintaining its economic foundations.
