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Demographic Transitions in Kirkwood Glen: A Study of Racial Diversity and Economic Fluctuations
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Kirkwood Glen, a neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "High Diversity" as of 2022. No single racial group exceeds 40% of the population, with Asian (29%), Black (21%), and White (37%) communities significantly represented. The median income stands at $25,978, below the national average. Over the past decade, Kirkwood Glen has undergone notable demographic changes.
From 2013 to 2022, Kirkwood Glen transitioned from a "White Plurality" to "High Diversity." The Asian population increased from 11% to 29%, the Black population slightly decreased from 23% to 21%, and the White population decreased from 46% to 37%. The Hispanic population fluctuated, peaking at 26% in 2019 before declining to 11% in 2022. These shifts indicate a dynamic influx of diverse communities, particularly Asian residents.
The economic landscape of Kirkwood Glen has been volatile over the past decade. In 2013, the median income was $40,486, the highest recorded. A sharp decline occurred in 2014, dropping to $23,905, with the lowest point in 2019 at $21,984. A recent upswing occurred in 2021, reaching $37,553, before declining again to $25,978 in 2022. These economic fluctuations appear to correlate with demographic shifts.
Population figures have also fluctuated, ranging from a low of 270 in 2010 to a high of 416 in 2015, settling at 364 in 2022. These changes suggest a dynamic community with frequent turnover, possibly influenced by economic opportunities and housing affordability.
The demographic evolution of Kirkwood Glen reflects broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. The rapid pace of change in this neighborhood is noteworthy. The significant growth in the Asian population may be indicative of changing immigration patterns or the development of local economic opportunities attractive to this demographic.
The economic volatility experienced by Kirkwood Glen, with its sharp declines and recent partial recovery, may be more pronounced than national averages. This could be related to local economic factors in Des Moines or specific circumstances within the neighborhood itself.
Kirkwood Glen exemplifies a "Transitional Community" that has evolved from a predominantly white neighborhood to one of high diversity over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by economic challenges, as evidenced by the fluctuating median income. The neighborhood's journey offers insights into the complex interplay between demographic change and economic conditions in urban America.
