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Demographic Shifts in Waterbury: White Majority with Increasing Asian Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Waterbury neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community with indications of increasing diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 77% of residents, with an Asian presence of 11%. Waterbury has a median income of $108,257, which is above the national average. The neighborhood is characterized by historic homes and tree-lined streets.
Over the past decade, Waterbury has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to its current "White Majority" status. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Low Diversity" with 88% white residents. The white population share has consistently decreased, reaching 77% by 2022. This change has been primarily driven by an increase in Asian residents, rising from 1% in 2013 to 11% in 2022.
The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3% and 7% throughout the decade. The Black population has increased slightly from 1% to 3%. These changes suggest that Waterbury is becoming a "Transitional Community," moving towards greater diversity, while maintaining a white majority.
The demographic shifts in Waterbury have occurred alongside economic growth. The median income has increased from $88,599 in 2013 to $108,257 in 2022, representing a 22% increase. The population has grown from 4,136 in 2013 to 4,729 in 2022, a 14% increase. This population growth, combined with rising incomes, indicates that Waterbury has become an increasingly attractive neighborhood for diverse, high-income professionals.
The trends observed in Waterbury reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in affluent suburbs. Many similar communities across the United States have seen growth in Asian populations, often associated with high-skilled immigration and job opportunities in tech and professional sectors. Waterbury's changes are more pronounced than national averages. The U.S. Asian population grew by about 2 percentage points between 2010 and 2020, while Waterbury saw a 10 percentage point increase in nine years.
The economic growth in Waterbury outpaces national trends. U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), while Waterbury's 22% growth indicates a rapidly appreciating neighborhood value. Waterbury represents a "Transitional Community" moving from "Low Diversity" to increased racial representation, particularly among Asian residents. This shift, coupled with strong economic growth, positions Waterbury as an evolving, affluent enclave that may continue to attract a more diverse, high-income population in the future.
