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Demographic Shifts in East Hills: From Moderate to Low Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Hills, a neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has transitioned from a moderately diverse community to one with lower diversity over the past decade. The white population increased from 71% in 2013 to 81% in 2022, while the Hispanic population decreased from 16% to 3%, and the Black population remained stable at 10%. The Asian population saw a slight increase from 2% to 4%.
This demographic shift coincided with significant economic growth. The median income in East Hills rose from $39,074 in 2013 to $62,139 in 2022, representing a 59% increase over nine years. This substantial income growth could be a contributing factor to the neighborhood's changing racial composition.
The population of East Hills remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 3,584 in 2013 to 3,655 in 2022. This suggests that the demographic changes are more likely due to replacement of existing residents rather than significant new development or population influx.
The trends observed in East Hills reflect broader patterns of gentrification seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. The combination of rising incomes and decreasing diversity is often associated with urban renewal and revitalization projects that can lead to the displacement of long-time residents, particularly those from minority communities.
The median income growth in East Hills outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 30% between 2013 and 2022, East Hills saw a 59% increase, indicating a more rapid pace of economic change in this neighborhood.
The decrease in diversity in East Hills contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. This suggests that local factors, such as specific urban development policies or changes in the local job market, may be playing a significant role in shaping the neighborhood's demographic evolution.
East Hills has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse community to a predominantly white, more affluent neighborhood. While this has brought economic growth, it has also led to a decrease in racial diversity. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, balancing economic development with maintaining diversity and community character will likely be a key challenge for local policymakers and residents.
