Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in University Heights/Highlands: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
University Heights/Highlands in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a predominantly White community with a median income of $88,156 as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced a gradual increase in diversity over the past decade, though it remains majority white. The area's proximity to Northern Arizona University likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
The neighborhood transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity between 2013 and 2022. In 2013, the white population comprised 82% of residents, decreasing to 69% by 2022. This shift is primarily attributed to the growth of the Hispanic population, which increased from 4% in 2013 to 21% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a Transitional Community status.
Other racial groups, including Asian, Black, and Native American populations, have maintained minimal representation, generally remaining below 5% each throughout the decade. The median income in the area has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $86,639 in 2013 to $88,156 in 2022, with significant fluctuations during this period.
Periods of increased diversity appear to correlate with higher median incomes. The sharp rise in Hispanic population from 2019 to 2020 (12% to 19%) coincided with an increase in median income from $77,038 to $85,925, suggesting a possible influx of higher-income Hispanic residents.
The population decreased slightly from 2,819 in 2010 to 2,678 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. The lowest point was in 2017 with 2,167 residents, which coincided with the lowest median income year.
The demographic shifts in University Heights/Highlands reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity, particularly in university-adjacent neighborhoods. The growth of the Hispanic population is consistent with nationwide demographic changes.
The neighborhood's median income remains higher than the national median, suggesting it is an affluent area within Flagstaff. This could be attributed to its proximity to the university, potentially attracting higher-income professionals and academics.
The trend towards increased diversity, coupled with rising incomes, may indicate that University Heights/Highlands is becoming an attractive location for upwardly mobile minority families and professionals. This evolution could be reshaping the local culture, potentially bringing new businesses, cultural events, and community dynamics to the area.
University Heights/Highlands is undergoing a gradual but significant demographic transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity with a strong trend towards becoming a Transitional Community. These changes, occurring alongside generally increasing median incomes, suggest a neighborhood in flux, likely influenced by its proximity to Northern Arizona University and broader national demographic trends.
