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Demographic Transition in Whittier, Denver: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Whittier, a neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, transitioned from a moderately diverse area to a White Majority demographic composition between 2013 and 2022. The white population increased from 46% to 59% during this period. Concurrently, the neighborhood experienced significant economic growth, with median income rising from $63,766 in 2013 to $103,531 in 2022. These changes suggest a process of gentrification in Whittier.
The demographic shifts in Whittier were marked by a substantial decrease in the black population, from 27% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 23% to 22%. These changes indicate a transition from a Moderate Diversity neighborhood to a White Majority status over the decade.
The economic trends in Whittier correlated strongly with the demographic shifts. The median income increase of over 62% suggests an influx of higher-income residents. Simultaneously, the population of Whittier decreased from 6,110 in 2013 to 4,553 in 2022. This combination of rising incomes and declining population may indicate displacement of lower-income residents, a common feature of gentrifying neighborhoods.
The trends observed in Whittier are consistent with patterns of gentrification seen in many urban areas across the United States. Cities such as Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Brooklyn have experienced similar demographic shifts and rapid income growth in certain neighborhoods. The decrease in the African American population in Whittier from 27% to 9% is particularly notable and mirrors trends seen in other gentrifying areas where historically black neighborhoods have experienced significant demographic changes.
The rapid income growth in Whittier outpaces national trends. The U.S. median household income increased by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 when adjusted for inflation. In contrast, Whittier's median income grew by over 62% in the same period, indicating a much faster rate of economic change than the national average.
Whittier has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, shifting from a moderately diverse neighborhood to one with a clear White Majority. This demographic change, coupled with dramatic income growth and population decline, strongly suggests a process of gentrification. These changes likely have profound implications for the neighborhood's culture, community dynamics, and affordability for long-time residents.
