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Demographic Transformation of Rolling Hills: A Study of Racial Diversity and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Rolling Hills, a neighborhood in Renton, Washington, exhibits high demographic diversity as of 2022. No single racial group exceeds 40% of the population. The community comprises 33% Hispanic, 24% White, and 19% Asian residents. Over the past decade, Rolling Hills has experienced significant demographic changes and fluctuations in median income. The neighborhood is known for its views of the Cascade Mountains and proximity to Lake Washington.
Rolling Hills has undergone a substantial transformation in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood had a white majority, with 50% of the population identifying as white. By 2016, it had become a majority-minority community. By 2020, the area was classified as having high diversity. The white population declined from 50% in 2013 to 24% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 13% in 2013 to 33% in 2022. The Asian population fluctuated between 9% and 29% over the decade. The Black population remained relatively stable at around 20% throughout the period.
The demographic changes in Rolling Hills have coincided with economic fluctuations. Median income decreased from $60,885 in 2013 to $51,587 in 2015, coinciding with the initial shift towards a more diverse population. From 2015 to 2021, there was a significant increase in median income, peaking at $85,613 in 2021. This period aligns with the continued diversification of the neighborhood. A slight decrease in median income to $71,651 was observed in 2022, alongside a further increase in the Hispanic population and decrease in the white population.
The demographic shifts in Rolling Hills reflect broader trends seen in many suburban areas across the United States, particularly those near major urban centers. The increasing diversity and the growth of Hispanic and Asian populations are consistent with national demographic trends. The rapid pace of change in Rolling Hills is notable, transitioning from a white majority to high diversity in less than a decade.
The economic trajectory of Rolling Hills, with its significant income growth from 2015 to 2021, outpaces many similar communities nationwide. This could be attributed to the neighborhood's location near Seattle and the influx of diverse workers in the region's tech-driven economy. The recent dip in median income in 2022, coupled with a continued increase in diversity, may reflect broader economic challenges faced nationwide, such as inflation and housing market fluctuations. It could also indicate a period of adjustment as the community continues to evolve demographically.
Rolling Hills exemplifies a rapidly diversifying suburban community, transitioning from a predominantly white area to one of high diversity in a relatively short period. This demographic evolution has been accompanied by overall economic growth, suggesting that increased diversity has coincided with the neighborhood's prosperity. However, recent changes indicate that this community is still in flux, adapting to ongoing demographic and economic shifts.
