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Demographic Transition in Parkwood Ranch: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Parkwood Ranch, a neighborhood in Mesa, Arizona, is experiencing a demographic transition. In 2022, 58% of the population identified as white, down from 80% in 2013. The Hispanic population increased from 16% to 35% during the same period. This shift indicates a trend towards increased diversity, suggesting Parkwood Ranch is becoming a Transitional Community.
The most significant change occurred between 2019 and 2022, with the white population decreasing from 77% to 58% and the Hispanic population increasing from 18% to 35%. This rapid change may be attributed to factors such as changing housing affordability, job opportunities, or shifts in immigration patterns.
The median income in Parkwood Ranch has fluctuated within the $70,000 to $80,000 range. There was an increase from $68,994 in 2019 to $81,335 in 2021, followed by a decrease to $72,329 in 2022. This economic fluctuation coincides with the period of most rapid demographic change, suggesting a possible correlation between incoming diverse populations and economic shifts.
The population has shown variability, increasing from 6,811 in 2019 to 7,520 in 2020, then decreasing slightly to 7,187 in 2022. This population growth, coupled with increasing diversity, indicates that Parkwood Ranch is attracting new residents from various backgrounds.
The demographic shifts in Parkwood Ranch align with broader trends seen across many suburban areas in the United States, particularly in the Southwest. The increasing Hispanic population reflects the growing Hispanic influence in Arizona and neighboring states. This trend is often associated with changing economic opportunities, cultural preferences, and migration patterns within the region.
The median income in Parkwood Ranch has generally remained above the national median household income. This suggests that despite demographic changes, the neighborhood has maintained its economic stability and attractiveness to middle-income families.
The transition from a predominantly white community to one with growing diversity mirrors national trends of increasing multiculturalism in suburban areas. This shift often brings both opportunities and challenges, including the potential for cultural enrichment, diverse economic contributions, and the need for community integration efforts.
Parkwood Ranch exemplifies a suburban neighborhood in transition, moving from Low Diversity towards Moderate Diversity. The economic resilience of the area, coupled with its increasing racial and ethnic diversity, positions it as a microcosm of broader demographic shifts occurring across many American suburbs. As this transition continues, it will be important to monitor how these changes affect community dynamics, local services, and overall neighborhood character.
