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Demographic Transition in West Acres: From White Majority to Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Acres, a neighborhood in Fargo, North Dakota, has experienced significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a Low Diversity community with a White Majority to a Moderate Diversity neighborhood with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, West Acres has a population of 4,495 and a median income of $34,152. The neighborhood is notable for housing the largest shopping center in North Dakota.
The racial composition of West Acres has shifted dramatically over the past decade. In 2013, 84% of the population identified as white. By 2017, the neighborhood had become a Majority-Minority community, and by 2018, it was classified as having Moderate Diversity with a Black Plurality. The Black population increased from 5% in 2013 to 40% in 2022, while the Asian population grew from 4% to 15%. Concurrently, the white population decreased from 84% to 40%.
The median income in West Acres has shown modest growth, increasing from $31,118 in 2013 to $34,152 in 2022, representing a 9.7% increase over nine years. This growth rate is below the rate of inflation for the same period. The most significant increase occurred between 2019 and 2020, with median income rising from $34,894 to $38,291, before declining in subsequent years.
The period of rapid demographic change (2015-2018) coincided with relatively stable median income, suggesting that the influx of new residents did not immediately impact overall economic conditions. The population of West Acres grew substantially during this time, increasing from 2,823 in 2015 to 3,616 in 2018, a 28% increase in three years.
The demographic shifts in West Acres are more pronounced than typical national trends. While the United States has become more diverse overall, the pace of change in West Acres has been notably rapid. The growth of the Black population in the neighborhood significantly outpaces national averages.
The median income in West Acres remains below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that despite increasing diversity, the neighborhood faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
West Acres experienced rapid population growth, particularly between 2015 and 2022, with a 59% increase. This growth rate is significant when compared to national trends and may indicate that the neighborhood has become an attractive destination for new residents.
In conclusion, West Acres has transformed from a Low Diversity, White Majority neighborhood to a Moderate Diversity community with a Black Plurality in less than a decade. This demographic shift, combined with modest income growth and significant population increase, suggests a neighborhood in transition, potentially facing both opportunities and challenges as it adapts to its new demographic composition.
