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Demographic Transition in Cottonwood Heights: From White Majority to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Cottonwood Heights, a neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, it is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with Hispanic residents constituting 50% of the population. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 is $58,489. Cottonwood Heights is located near the Cottonwood Mall, one of New Mexico's largest shopping centers.
Over the past decade, Cottonwood Heights has transitioned from a "White Majority" (53% in 2013) to a "Majority-Minority" status by 2018, and further to a "Hispanic Plurality" (50%) by 2022. The White population declined from 53% in 2013 to 40% in 2022. The Asian population fluctuated, reaching 8% in 2017 before decreasing to 0% in 2022. The Black population remained between 1-8% throughout the decade.
The median income in Cottonwood Heights has shown variability. It peaked at $63,808 in 2013 when the neighborhood had a White majority. The income levels have since stabilized, ranging between $57,000 and $62,000 in recent years. The 2022 median income of $58,489 is higher than several previous years, indicating that the demographic changes have not significantly impacted the neighborhood's overall economic status.
The population of Cottonwood Heights has decreased slightly from 2,141 in 2010 to 1,729 in 2022, possibly indicating a trend towards smaller household sizes or changing housing preferences.
The demographic shifts in Cottonwood Heights align with broader trends observed in many urban areas in the United States. The increase in Hispanic population and the transition to a majority-minority status reflect national trends of growing diversity, particularly in southwestern states like New Mexico.
The stability of median income despite significant demographic changes is notable. It suggests that Cottonwood Heights has maintained its economic status through this transition, which is not always the case in neighborhoods experiencing rapid demographic shifts.
Cottonwood Heights exemplifies a "Transitional Community," having evolved from a White majority to a Hispanic plurality over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by relatively stable economic indicators, suggesting a resilient local economy that has adapted to changing demographics. The neighborhood's evolution provides a case study in urban demographic change and its economic implications.
