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Demographic Shifts in West Arlington: From White Majority to Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Arlington, a neighborhood in Arlington, Washington, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with emerging diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 63% of the total, while the Hispanic population has grown to 21%. The neighborhood has experienced population growth over the past decade, reaching 8,559 residents in 2022. The median income was $68,057 in 2022.
West Arlington has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to one approaching Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the white population comprised 82% of residents. Over the past decade, there has been a decrease in the white population percentage and an increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations. Between 2019 and 2020, the white population decreased from 82% to 69%, while the Hispanic population increased from 8% to 15%. By 2022, the Hispanic population reached 21%. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races doubled from 4% in 2019 to 8% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in West Arlington have coincided with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2021, there was an upward trend in median income, rising from $58,747 to $73,396. However, 2022 saw a decrease to $68,057. This decline coincides with the continued increase in Hispanic population and decrease in white population percentage. The population growth from 6,631 in 2013 to 8,559 in 2022 indicates that West Arlington has become increasingly attractive for new residents, particularly among Hispanic and multiracial families.
The demographic changes in West Arlington reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar shifts, with growing Hispanic populations and increases in multiracial identification. The economic fluctuations, particularly the recent decrease in median income, may be indicative of wider economic challenges faced across the country, such as inflation and housing market pressures.
The steady population growth in West Arlington, despite economic fluctuations, suggests that the neighborhood remains attractive to new residents. This could be due to factors such as job opportunities, quality of life, or relative affordability compared to nearby urban centers.
West Arlington is undergoing a demographic transition that is reshaping its community fabric. As it moves from Low Diversity towards Moderate Diversity, the neighborhood faces opportunities and challenges in adapting to its changing population while maintaining economic stability. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether West Arlington can successfully navigate this transition and emerge as a model of inclusive community growth.
