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Demographic Analysis of Grant Creek: A Study of Racial Composition in a Low Diversity Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Grant Creek, a neighborhood in Missoula, Montana, is characterized by low diversity with a predominantly white population. In 2022, the white population comprised 87% of residents. The neighborhood's population increased from 2,875 in 2010 to 3,353 in 2022. The median income in 2022 was $59,399, which represents a decrease from previous years but remains above the national median. Grant Creek is situated in a scenic valley with access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation.
Grant Creek has consistently been categorized as a low diversity neighborhood from 2013 to 2022. The white population percentage decreased from 91% in 2013 to 87% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races rose from 1% to 4%. These changes indicate a gradual shift towards increased racial diversity, though not significant enough to alter the neighborhood's low diversity classification.
The median income in Grant Creek has fluctuated over the analyzed period. It increased from $57,075 in 2013 to a peak of $71,780 in 2017. After remaining relatively stable until 2019, it declined to $59,399 in 2022. This economic trend does not appear to directly correlate with the gradual increase in diversity. The neighborhood maintained its economic strength during the period of highest income while experiencing slight increases in minority populations.
The demographic trends in Grant Creek align with broader national trends of increasing diversity, albeit at a slower pace. Many urban and suburban areas across the United States have experienced more rapid diversification over the same period. The slight increase in Hispanic population is consistent with national trends, as the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing demographics in the country.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the recent decline in median income, may reflect broader economic challenges faced by many communities following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Grant Creek's median income remains relatively high, suggesting it has maintained its status as a desirable, affluent neighborhood within Missoula.
Grant Creek remains a predominantly white, low diversity neighborhood, but shows signs of gradual demographic shifts towards increased diversity. These changes, combined with its economic profile, indicate a slowly evolving community that maintains its attractiveness to residents while becoming incrementally more diverse. The neighborhood's natural amenities and relatively high median income likely continue to play a significant role in shaping its demographic and economic character.
