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West Ridge, Flagstaff: A Study of Racial Demographics and Community Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Ridge, a neighborhood in Flagstaff, Arizona, exhibits characteristics of a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 74% of the residents, while Hispanic residents make up 15%. The neighborhood's median income of $92,285 in 2022 suggests an affluent area, significantly above the national median income. West Ridge is known for its proximity to the Northern Arizona University campus, which likely influences its demographic makeup and economic status.
Over the past decade, West Ridge has undergone a gradual transition from a "Low Diversity" community to one approaching "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the neighborhood was in the "Low Diversity" category with 84% white residents. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 74%, while Hispanic representation increased from 10% to 15%. This shift suggests a trend towards increasing diversity, though the area remains predominantly white.
The most notable changes include a steady decline in the white population percentage (from 84% in 2013 to 74% in 2022), an increase in Hispanic representation (from 10% in 2013 to 15% in 2022), and growth in the "Two or More Races" category (from 3% in 2013 to 5% in 2022). These changes indicate that West Ridge is slowly becoming more diverse, possibly due to factors such as university influence, changing job markets, or broader demographic shifts in Flagstaff.
The neighborhood has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. The median income rose from $77,033 in 2013 to $92,285 in 2022, an increase of about 20%. This growth in income coincides with the increasing diversity, suggesting that the neighborhood may be attracting more affluent minorities or that existing residents are experiencing improved economic conditions.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 836 and 943 residents over the decade. This stability, combined with rising incomes and increasing diversity, might indicate a gradual replacement of some long-term residents with new, possibly more diverse and affluent families.
The trends observed in West Ridge align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and college-adjacent areas. The gradual increase in Hispanic population mirrors national demographic shifts, where the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing segments in many parts of the United States.
The economic growth in West Ridge outpaces national averages, suggesting that this neighborhood may be part of a local market driven by its proximity to Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff's appeal as a mountain town with a strong outdoor recreation economy.
West Ridge represents a "Transitional Community" moving towards greater diversity while maintaining a strong economic profile. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in affluent areas, particularly those near educational institutions. As this transition continues, it may bring both opportunities and challenges, potentially altering the cultural landscape of the neighborhood while maintaining its economic strength.
