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Oak-Riverside Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Composition and Demographic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Oak-Riverside, a neighborhood in Ames, Iowa, is classified as a Low Diversity area with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 86% of the neighborhood. The median income in 2022 was $25,192, indicating a lower-middle-income community. Oak-Riverside's proximity to Iowa State University likely influences its demographic composition and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, Oak-Riverside has maintained its status as a White Majority community. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood exhibited Moderate Diversity, with the Asian population reaching 12% in 2013-2015. A significant shift occurred between 2019 and 2020, with the Asian population decreasing from 8% to 1% and the white population increasing from 83% to 89%. This change reverted the neighborhood to Low Diversity status.
From 2020 to 2022, the community has remained in the Low Diversity category, with slight increases in Black and Hispanic populations, both reaching 4% in 2022. These changes may indicate early signs of a Transitional Community.
The neighborhood's economic landscape has shown notable changes. Median income increased from $16,984 in 2013 to $26,193 in 2021, a 54% increase over eight years. This income growth coincided with the period of higher Asian population (2013-2019), suggesting a possible correlation between increased diversity and economic improvement. Despite the shift back to Low Diversity in 2020, the median income continued to rise, reaching its peak in 2021. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 4,300 and 5,000 residents throughout the decade.
The neighborhood's proximity to Iowa State University likely influences its demographic and economic trends. The fluctuations in the Asian population might be related to international student enrollment patterns. The median income, while showing growth, remains relatively low compared to the national median household income. This could be due to a high student population in the area. The trend towards increased diversity from 2013-2019, followed by a reversal, is contrary to national trends of increasing diversity in most urban areas.
Oak-Riverside presents a case of a neighborhood that has experienced fluctuations in diversity over the past decade, ultimately returning to a state of Low Diversity with a strong White Majority. Despite these demographic shifts, the area has seen consistent economic growth as measured by median income. The neighborhood's characteristics, likely influenced by its proximity to a major university, make it a subject for further study in urban demographics and economics.
