Demographic Shifts in Southeast Aurora: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Southeast Aurora, a neighborhood in Aurora, Illinois, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with a median income of $120,781 as of 2022. The area has maintained a high median income over the past decade, consistently exceeding $120,000. This suburban neighborhood is known for its schools and proximity to tech corridors, attracting professionals in the technology sector.
Over the past decade, Southeast Aurora has experienced changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity, with the white population comprising 59% of residents. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority, the neighborhood has transitioned towards Moderate Diversity.
The most significant change has been the increase in the Asian population, rising from 17% in 2013 to 20% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 13% to 14%, and the Black population from 8% to 10%. The "two or more races" category grew from 2% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, indicating a trend towards increasing diversity.
The shift towards greater diversity has coincided with a decline in median income. The neighborhood's peak median income was $134,838 in 2014, which has decreased to $120,781 in 2022. This trend suggests that as the community has become more diverse, it has also become more economically inclusive.
The population has increased from 15,877 in 2013 to 17,070 in 2022. This population growth, combined with the diversification trend, may indicate that the area is becoming attractive to a wider range of demographic groups.
The demographic shifts observed in Southeast Aurora align with national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near major metropolitan centers. The growth in the Asian population is consistent with patterns of Asian Americans moving to affluent suburban areas, often driven by employment in technology and professional sectors.
The decline in median income, while remaining above national averages, may reflect a trend of income stagnation among upper-middle-class households. However, the sustained high income levels in Southeast Aurora suggest that the area continues to attract high-earning professionals despite the increasing diversity.
Southeast Aurora presents a case study of a traditionally affluent, predominantly white suburb transitioning towards greater diversity while maintaining its economic attractiveness. This evolution reflects broader national trends of demographic shifts in suburban areas and suggests a gradual change in the socio-economic fabric of the community.
