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Demographic Analysis of Franklin to the Fort: A Low Diversity, White Majority Neighborhood in Missoula, Montana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Franklin to the Fort, a neighborhood in Missoula, Montana, currently exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 87% of the neighborhood, while the median income stands at $54,997. This area is known for its mix of older, established homes and newer developments, reflecting its evolving character over the years.
Over the past decade, Franklin to the Fort has consistently maintained its status as a Low Diversity neighborhood with a White Majority. The white population has decreased from 92% in 2013 to 87% in 2022, indicating a gradual diversification. There has been a slight increase in Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations, though each remains below 3%. The most significant change is in the "Two or More Races" category, increasing from 2% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. These changes suggest a slow transition towards greater diversity, potentially categorizing Franklin to the Fort as a Transitional Community in the coming years if these trends continue.
The neighborhood has experienced fluctuations in median income over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, there was a general decline in median income, dropping from $49,981 to $46,640. A recovery phase began in 2018, with income rising to $55,173 by 2020. An anomalous spike occurred in 2021, reaching $63,728, before settling back to $54,997 in 2022. These economic shifts loosely correlate with the demographic changes. As the neighborhood became slightly more diverse, particularly from 2018 onwards, there was a corresponding increase in median income.
The gradual diversification of Franklin to the Fort aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. However, the pace of change in this neighborhood is slower compared to many urban areas across the United States. The economic fluctuations, particularly the recent upward trend in median income, reflect similar patterns seen in many growing mid-sized cities, where changing demographics often correlate with economic development and gentrification processes.
The population growth from 12,436 in 2010 to 13,776 in 2022 indicates a steady increase in the neighborhood's attractiveness. This growth, combined with the rising income levels and subtle demographic shifts, suggests that Franklin to the Fort is slowly evolving, potentially becoming more appealing to a wider range of residents while still maintaining its predominantly white, middle-class character.
In conclusion, while Franklin to the Fort remains categorized as a Low Diversity, White Majority neighborhood, the subtle shifts in demographics and economic indicators point to a community in the early stages of transition. If current trends continue, it may evolve into a more diverse and economically dynamic area in the coming years, though significant changes would be needed to alter its fundamental demographic character.
