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Demographic Shifts in Drake Park: From Majority-Minority to White Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Drake Park in Des Moines, Iowa, currently exhibits Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality of 53% in 2022. The neighborhood also has significant Black (24%) and Hispanic (15%) populations. Over the past decade, the area has undergone notable demographic shifts and modest economic growth. The proximity to Drake University likely influences the neighborhood's demographic composition and economic dynamics.
From 2013 to 2022, Drake Park transitioned through several diversity categories. In 2013-2017, it was characterized as Majority-Minority with High Diversity. From 2018-2021, it shifted to Moderate Diversity with White Plurality. In 2022, the trend continued towards lower diversity with an increasing White Plurality. This evolution indicates a gradual demographic change, potentially influenced by factors such as gentrification, changes in university enrollment patterns, or urban development initiatives.
The median income in Drake Park has shown consistent growth, increasing from $23,631 in 2013 to $36,575 in 2022, representing a 55% rise. This economic improvement correlates with the increasing white population percentage, suggesting a possible connection between demographic changes and economic development. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 1,088 and 1,319 residents over the decade. A slight population decline in recent years, from 1,319 in 2018 to 1,124 in 2022, may indicate changing housing preferences or affordability issues as incomes rise.
The trend of increasing diversity followed by a shift towards a white plurality is not uncommon in urban neighborhoods near universities. This pattern often reflects cycles of urban renewal, student housing demands, and changing preferences of young professionals. The income growth in Drake Park, while significant, remains below the national average. The 2022 median income of $36,575 is considerably lower than the national median household income of approximately $70,000 in 2021. This disparity indicates that despite economic improvement, the neighborhood may still face challenges related to overall economic well-being.
The demographic shifts in Drake Park include an increase in the Asian population from 3% in 2013 to 12% in 2021, before dropping to 4% in 2022. These changes could reflect evolving enrollment patterns at Drake University or changes in employment opportunities in the area.
Drake Park has transformed from a Majority-Minority neighborhood with High Diversity to one of Moderate Diversity with a strengthening White Plurality. This change, combined with steady income growth, suggests a neighborhood in transition, potentially influenced by urban renewal efforts and changing dynamics related to its proximity to Drake University. The recent population decline and fluctuations in racial composition indicate that this transition is ongoing and may continue to evolve in the coming years.
