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Demographic Transition in North Central: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The North Central neighborhood of Des Moines, Washington, is classified as a Transitional Community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 1,220 and a median income of $68,904. It contains an estimated 467 housing units, indicating a small, compact community experiencing significant demographic changes.
Over the past decade, North Central has transitioned from a White Majority community to a more diverse neighborhood. In 2013, 64% of the population identified as white, categorizing the area as White Majority. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 54%, barely maintaining a White Plurality status.
The neighborhood has consistently shown signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. The Hispanic population increased from 19% in 2013 to 22% in 2022. The Black population grew significantly from 5% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The "two or more races" category expanded from 1% in 2013 to 7% in 2022. These shifts indicate a trend towards a Majority-Minority status, with the combined minority population reaching 46% by 2022.
The demographic changes have coincided with overall economic growth in the neighborhood. The median income increased from $65,725 in 2013 to $68,904 in 2022, representing a 4.8% growth. There was significant fluctuation, with a peak of $74,358 in 2021 before a slight decline in 2022. The economic trajectory suggests that the increasing diversity has not negatively impacted the area's overall economic health.
The trends observed in North Central align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. The growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations mirrors national demographic shifts, reflecting changing immigration patterns and increasing interracial marriages across the United States. The economic resilience of the neighborhood, maintaining growth alongside increasing diversity, suggests that diversity and economic prosperity can coexist.
North Central is experiencing a demographic transition that is reshaping its community fabric. The shift from a White Majority to a more diverse population, coupled with overall economic growth, positions the neighborhood as an example of integration and adaptation to changing demographics. As this trend continues, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect community dynamics, local policies, and economic opportunities for all residents.
