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Demographic Shifts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin: Analysis of Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a White Majority. In 2022, the white population constituted 79% of the total population. The city experienced population growth, reaching 47,919 residents in 2022. Wauwatosa's median income increased from $72,554 in 2013 to $82,836 in 2022.
Wauwatosa has been transitioning towards increased diversity over the past decade. The percentage of white residents decreased from 88% in 2013 to 79% in 2022. This trend suggests that Wauwatosa is evolving into a "Transitional Community." Notable changes include increases in Black population from 4% to 7%, Asian population from 2% to 5%, Hispanic population from 2% to 4%, and two or more races from 2% to 4%.
The demographic changes in Wauwatosa have occurred alongside economic growth. The median income increased by approximately 14% from 2013 to 2022, adjusted for inflation. This suggests that the increasing diversity has not negatively impacted the city's overall economic prosperity.
The trends observed in Wauwatosa align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many traditionally white-majority suburbs across the United States have experienced similar demographic shifts over the past decade.
Based on observed trends, Wauwatosa is likely to continue its transition towards greater diversity. If current trajectories persist, the city may evolve from a "Low Diversity" community to a "Moderate Diversity" community within the next decade. Projections suggest the white population could potentially decrease to around 70-75% by 2032. Black, Asian, and Hispanic populations may each reach or exceed 10%. The category of two or more races is likely to continue growing, potentially reaching 5-6%.
Economically, if the trend of rising median incomes continues alongside increasing diversity, Wauwatosa may become an example of a successfully integrated, economically prosperous suburban community. This could attract more diverse, high-skilled professionals to the area, further driving both demographic change and economic growth. However, these projections assume current trends will continue unabated. Various factors, including housing policies, economic conditions, and broader societal changes, could accelerate or slow these demographic and economic shifts.
