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Demographic Transition in Indianola Hills: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Indianola Hills, a neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, exhibits a changing demographic landscape. As of 2022, the area is classified as a "White Majority" community, with 62% of the population identifying as white. This majority has been decreasing over the past decade, indicating a transition towards greater diversity. The neighborhood's median income was $51,642 in 2022, suggesting a moderate economic status. Indianola Hills is located near the Des Moines International Airport, which may influence its demographic and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, Indianola Hills has undergone a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having "Low Diversity" with a white population of 70%. By 2022, it transitioned to a "White Majority" status, approaching "Moderate Diversity." This shift is primarily driven by an increase in the Hispanic population, which grew from 16% in 2013 to 21% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category also increased from 1% to 9% during this period.
The neighborhood can be categorized as a "Transitional Community" due to consistent changes in racial composition over the past decade. The decrease in the white population percentage and the simultaneous increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations indicate a trend towards increasing diversity.
The demographic shifts in Indianola Hills correlate with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $49,361 to $51,642, representing a 4.6% growth over nine years. This growth was not consistent, with several years showing declines followed by recoveries. The years with the highest diversity (2020-2022) also saw some of the highest median incomes, suggesting a potential link between increased diversity and economic resilience. The peak median income of $58,146 in 2021 coincided with the lowest white population percentage (63%) and the highest Hispanic population percentage (23%).
The population of Indianola Hills has decreased over the decade, from 6,065 in 2013 to 5,158 in 2022. This decline may be related to changing housing preferences or economic factors influencing residential choices.
The demographic shifts observed in Indianola Hills align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races reflects similar patterns seen across many U.S. cities. However, the economic growth in Indianola Hills appears to be slower than the national average. While the neighborhood's median income grew by 4.6% from 2013 to 2022, the U.S. median household income grew by approximately 15% during a similar period (2013-2021, based on available data).
The transition from "Low Diversity" to bordering on "Moderate Diversity" suggests that Indianola Hills is part of a broader trend of increasing diversity in previously homogeneous communities. This change may bring both opportunities and challenges, potentially influencing local businesses, schools, and community services to adapt to a more diverse population.
Indianola Hills exemplifies a community in transition, moving towards greater racial diversity while experiencing modest economic growth. These changes likely reflect broader urban demographic shifts and may continue to shape the neighborhood's character and economic prospects in the coming years.
