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Demographic Shifts in LaCrosse: Asian Population Growth and Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The LaCrosse neighborhood in Renton, Washington, transitioned from a predominantly White area to a Majority-Minority community with a significant Asian plurality between 2013 and 2022. The neighborhood experienced substantial demographic shifts during this period. LaCrosse is characterized by its high median income, which reached $158,522 in 2022, significantly above the national average. The suburb has seen rapid growth in its Asian population in recent years.
In 2013, LaCrosse was categorized as having Low Diversity, with a White majority comprising 75% of the population. Over the following decade, the neighborhood underwent a transformation, evolving into a Transitional Community and ultimately achieving Majority-Minority status by 2020. The most significant change was the growth of the Asian population, which increased from 17% in 2013 to 53% in 2022, becoming the largest racial group. Concurrently, the White population decreased from 75% to 38% during this period. The shift appears to have been gradual but consistent, suggesting a sustained trend rather than a sudden influx.
The neighborhood also experienced modest increases in Black and Hispanic populations, though these remained relatively small at 3% and 2% respectively in 2022. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races fluctuated over the years but showed an overall decline from 5% in 2013 to 3% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in LaCrosse coincided with significant economic growth. The median income rose from $110,342 in 2013 to $158,522 in 2022, representing a 43.7% increase over nine years. This growth outpaced inflation and suggested a trend of increasing affluence in the neighborhood. The peak in median income occurred in 2021 at $186,578, coinciding with the highest proportion of Asian residents (57%). This could indicate a correlation between the influx of Asian residents and rising income levels, possibly due to highly skilled professionals moving into the area.
The population of LaCrosse grew from 1,631 in 2013 to 1,758 in 2022, a modest increase of 7.8%. This suggests that the neighborhood has been attractive to new residents, particularly from the Asian community, while maintaining its overall suburban character.
The demographic shifts in LaCrosse mirror broader trends seen in many suburban areas near major tech hubs. The rapid growth in the Asian population, coupled with rising incomes, is reminiscent of patterns seen in areas like Silicon Valley or Seattle's Eastside. This could indicate that LaCrosse is becoming an attractive destination for tech professionals, potentially due to its proximity to major employers in the Seattle metropolitan area.
The income levels in LaCrosse are significantly higher than the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This places LaCrosse among the more affluent suburbs in the country, reflecting its desirability and the likely high-skill, high-wage nature of its residents' employment.
The transition from a predominantly White community to a Majority-Minority one with a strong Asian presence is part of a broader demographic shift occurring in many parts of the United States, particularly in suburban areas near major cities. The speed and extent of this change in LaCrosse are notable, suggesting specific local factors driving this trend, such as job opportunities or community attractions that appeal to Asian families.
