Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Benton-Stephens: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Benton-Stephens neighborhood in Columbia, Missouri, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a White Majority as of 2022. The racial composition indicates 82% of the population identifies as white, with a median income of $33,625. This neighborhood is located near the University of Missouri campus and has undergone minor demographic changes and economic fluctuations in the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Benton-Stephens has maintained its status as a White Majority community. In 2015, the neighborhood approached "Moderate Diversity" with the white population decreasing to 73% and the black population reaching 10%. By 2021, the area reverted to "Low Diversity" with the white population peaking at 87%. The most recent data from 2022 shows a slight increase in diversity, with the black population again reaching 10%, but still remaining in the "Low Diversity" category. These changes suggest a cyclical pattern of minor demographic shifts, possibly influenced by student populations or short-term economic factors.
The median income in Benton-Stephens has demonstrated an overall upward trend. From 2013 to 2019, there was a consistent increase from $24,155 to $34,193, representing a 41.6% growth. A slight decline occurred from 2019 to 2021, potentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 data indicates a small recovery to $33,625. The periods of highest income (2019-2020) coincided with the highest percentage of white residents (83-87%), suggesting a potential correlation between racial composition and economic status in this neighborhood.
The neighborhood's median income ($33,625 in 2022) is likely below the national median, which was approximately $70,000 in 2021. The racial composition of Benton-Stephens (82% white in 2022) is less diverse than the national average, where white non-Hispanic individuals constituted about 60% of the population in 2020. The neighborhood's population has remained relatively stable over the decade (2,832 in 2010 to 2,836 in 2022), indicating limited new development or significant demographic shifts.
Benton-Stephens has experienced minor demographic fluctuations but has largely maintained its character as a predominantly white, lower-middle-income neighborhood. The stability in population and gradual increase in median income, despite some recent setbacks, suggest a relatively steady community environment. The neighborhood's lack of diversity compared to national averages may present opportunities for future community development and inclusion initiatives.
