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Demographic Shifts in Gray's Woods: From Low to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Gray's Woods, a neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, is categorized as "Low Diversity" with a white majority of 72% as of 2022. The neighborhood's population increased from 4,249 residents in 2010 to 5,167 in 2022. The median income in Gray's Woods was $63,652 in 2022, indicating a middle-class suburban area.
Over the past decade, Gray's Woods has experienced a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Low Diversity" with an 87% white majority. By 2022, while still maintaining a white majority, the neighborhood moved towards "Moderate Diversity." This change was primarily driven by an increase in the Black population from 5% in 2013 to 18% in 2022, and a slight increase in Asian residents from 2% to 3%.
The Hispanic population in Gray's Woods fluctuated, peaking at 14% in 2016-2017 before declining to 4% by 2022. This trend suggests a period of "Transitional Community" status from 2014 to 2018, followed by a reversal in recent years.
The median income in Gray's Woods has remained relatively stable over the observed period, with some fluctuations. It peaked at $68,812 in 2016, coinciding with the highest percentage of Hispanic residents. As the racial composition shifted towards increased Black representation, the median income showed a slight downward trend, settling at $63,652 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in Gray's Woods align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced growth in minority populations, particularly Black and Hispanic residents, over the past decade. However, the recent decline in the Hispanic population in Gray's Woods contrasts with national trends of continued Hispanic growth in many suburban areas.
The relatively stable median income in Gray's Woods, despite demographic changes, is noteworthy. Nationally, many areas experiencing rapid demographic shifts have seen more significant changes in median income. This stability could indicate that Gray's Woods has maintained its economic character while becoming more diverse.
Gray's Woods has transitioned from a highly homogeneous white community to one with increasing diversity, particularly with growth in the Black population. While still categorized as having "Low Diversity," the neighborhood is moving towards "Moderate Diversity." These changes, coupled with stable economic indicators, suggest that Gray's Woods is evolving while maintaining its middle-class suburban character.
