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Demographic Analysis of Arnold Mills: A Low Diversity, White Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Arnold Mills, a neighborhood in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a white majority comprising 92% of the population as of 2022. The area has a median income of $129,652 in 2022, which is above the national average. Arnold Mills is known for its historic mill buildings and landscapes along the Blackstone River, reflecting its industrial heritage and current status as a suburban community.
Over the past decade, Arnold Mills has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a strong White Majority. There have been subtle shifts towards increased diversity. The white population percentage has remained between 92-94% from 2013 to 2022. The Black population increased from 0% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. The Asian population has remained at around 2-4%. The Hispanic population has increased from 0% in 2013 to 1-2% in recent years. These changes suggest a gradual trend towards increased diversity, though not enough to shift the neighborhood out of the Low Diversity category.
The economic trajectory of Arnold Mills has been generally positive, with some fluctuations. Median income has increased from $114,696 in 2013 to $129,652 in 2022, representing a 13% growth over the decade. There was a spike in median income to $149,056 in 2021, followed by a decrease in 2022, possibly reflecting economic volatility related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The population has grown from 7,649 in 2013 to 9,169 in 2022, an increase of about 20%, indicating the area's increasing attractiveness.
The rising median income and population growth suggest that Arnold Mills has become increasingly desirable, potentially attracting more affluent residents. This economic prosperity may be a factor in the slow pace of demographic change, as rising property values could limit accessibility for more diverse populations.
While Arnold Mills has seen minimal changes in its racial composition, many suburban areas across the United States have experienced more significant diversification over the past decade. The neighborhood's resistance to substantial demographic shifts could be attributed to its high property values and established community character.
The income growth in Arnold Mills outpaces the national average, which saw median household income rise from about $52,250 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021 (a 35% increase). This suggests that Arnold Mills is not only affluent but is becoming increasingly so relative to national trends.
The slow pace of diversification in Arnold Mills contrasts with broader trends in Rhode Island and the Northeast, where many communities have seen more rapid increases in racial and ethnic diversity. This difference highlights the unique character of Arnold Mills as a predominantly white, high-income enclave within the broader regional context.
In conclusion, while Arnold Mills shows signs of very gradual diversification, it remains a Low Diversity, White Majority community with high and rising affluence. The neighborhood's economic prosperity appears to be a defining characteristic, potentially influencing its demographic stability and slow pace of change compared to regional and national trends.
