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Eastern Heights: Demographic Analysis of a Predominantly White Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Eastern Heights, a neighborhood in Bloomington, Indiana, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority of 79% as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced demographic and economic shifts over the past decade. With a median income of $74,314 in 2022, Eastern Heights is an affluent area within Bloomington, located near Indiana University with residential areas featuring well-maintained homes and tree-lined streets.
Eastern Heights has maintained a White Majority status throughout the observed period. There has been a gradual trend towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity with 82% white population. By 2017-2018, it reached peak Low Diversity with 94% white population. From 2019 onwards, there has been a steady decrease in the white population, reaching 79% in 2022.
This trend suggests a slow transition towards Moderate Diversity, primarily driven by growth in the Asian population (from 3% in 2017 to 12% in 2022) and increases in multiracial residents. The neighborhood's economic profile has shown fluctuations. Peak median income was observed in 2015 at $96,001. A significant drop occurred between 2018 and 2019, with median income falling from $81,829 to $64,131. Since 2019, there has been a recovery, with median income rising to $74,314 in 2022.
These economic shifts correlate with demographic changes. The period of highest income (2014-2016) coincided with the lowest diversity. As the neighborhood began to diversify from 2019 onwards, incomes initially dropped but have since been recovering. Population trends show growth from 1,416 in 2010 to 1,721 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. The population increase aligns with the gradual diversification, suggesting that new residents from diverse backgrounds are moving into the area.
Eastern Heights' demographic evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. However, the neighborhood's pace of change is relatively slow compared to national averages. The significant Asian population growth mirrors trends seen in many university towns across the U.S., likely influenced by international students and faculty at Indiana University. The economic resilience of Eastern Heights, maintaining a high median income despite fluctuations, sets it apart from many areas that experienced more severe economic downturns during the same period. This suggests a robust local economy, possibly buffered by the presence of the university and a strong professional class.
Eastern Heights is showing signs of transitioning from a highly homogeneous, affluent white neighborhood towards a more diverse community, while maintaining its economic strength. This gradual shift suggests a changing social fabric that may bring new cultural influences and perspectives to the area, potentially influencing local businesses, schools, and community dynamics in the coming years.
