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Demographic Transition in West Las Vegas: From Black-Hispanic Balance to Hispanic Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Las Vegas, a neighborhood in Las Vegas, Nevada, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity." As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 31,144 and a median income of $38,763. West Las Vegas has historically been the center of Las Vegas's African American community, with connections to the city's civil rights movement and cultural heritage.
Over the past decade, West Las Vegas has undergone a demographic transition. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Moderate Diversity" with a nearly equal distribution between Black (44%) and Hispanic (42%) populations. By 2022, the community shifted to a "Hispanic Majority" (50%), while the Black population decreased to 32%. This transition was gradual but consistent. The Hispanic population grew steadily, reaching 50% in 2022, while the Black population declined from 44% in 2013 to 32% in 2022. This shift maintained the area's "Majority-Minority" status throughout the period, but with a changing internal composition.
The Asian population increased slightly from 2% to 4% over the decade, contributing to the neighborhood's diversity. The White population remained relatively stable at around 10%. The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $33,520 to $38,763, representing a 15.6% growth. This increase was not consistent year-over-year, with some fluctuations observed.
The most significant increase in median income occurred between 2020 and 2021, rising from $37,276 to $40,850, a 9.6% increase in one year. This coincides with the period when the Hispanic population became the largest group in the neighborhood, suggesting a possible correlation between the changing demographic makeup and economic conditions. The population of West Las Vegas has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 29,000 and 32,000 residents. This stability in population size, combined with the changing racial composition, indicates that the demographic shifts are likely due to migration patterns rather than significant changes in birth rates or overall population growth.
The demographic changes in West Las Vegas reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where Hispanic populations have been growing while Black populations have sometimes decreased. This shift can be attributed to factors including immigration patterns, economic opportunities, and changing housing preferences. The gradual increase in median income, while positive, may not have kept pace with national averages or the rising cost of living in many urban areas. This could potentially impact the neighborhood's affordability and the economic well-being of its residents.
The transition from a predominantly Black community to one with a Hispanic majority represents a significant cultural shift for West Las Vegas. This change may have implications for local businesses, community organizations, and political representation, as the neighborhood adapts to serve the needs and preferences of its evolving population. West Las Vegas exemplifies a "Transitional Community," evolving from a Black-Hispanic balanced area to a Hispanic-majority neighborhood over the past decade. This demographic shift, coupled with modest economic growth, presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, cultural preservation, and economic development in this historically significant part of Las Vegas.
