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Demographic Analysis of Helena, Montana: A Study of Racial Composition and Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Helena, Montana's capital city, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity, with a predominant white majority. As of 2022, the city's population is 30,703, with a median income of $63,761. Helena is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community, with the white population comprising 89% of the total.
Over the past decade, Helena has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community. However, there have been subtle shifts towards increased diversity. The white population has decreased slightly from 92% in 2013 to 89% in 2022. The Hispanic population has doubled from 2% to 4% between 2013 and 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has increased from 1% to 4% in the same period. These changes indicate a slow trend towards increasing diversity.
The median income in Helena has shown fluctuations over the past decade. It peaked at $61,670 in 2013, then declined to $58,184 in 2015. There was a recovery and growth period, reaching $67,238 in 2021. A slight decrease occurred in 2022, bringing the median income to $63,761. These economic shifts do not appear to correlate strongly with the gradual increase in diversity. However, the overall trend of rising incomes might be attracting a more diverse population to the area.
Helena's slow diversification trend is consistent with broader patterns seen in many small to mid-sized American cities. However, the pace of change in Helena appears to be slower than in many other urban areas across the country.
Based on the observed trends, Helena is likely to continue its gradual shift towards increased diversity over the coming years. While it may remain in the "Low Diversity" category for the near future, there's potential for it to transition into a "Transitional Community" if current trends accelerate.
The Hispanic and multiracial populations show the most significant growth, suggesting these groups may play a larger role in Helena's future demographic makeup. If these trends continue or accelerate, Helena might eventually move towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, though this would likely take several more decades at the current pace of change.
Economically, the city seems poised for continued growth, with median incomes showing an overall upward trend despite some fluctuations. This economic stability and growth could potentially attract more diverse populations to the area, further driving demographic changes.
In conclusion, while Helena remains a predominantly white, low-diversity community, subtle shifts in its demographic makeup and economic indicators suggest a slow but steady move towards increased diversity. This gradual transformation may have long-term implications for the city's culture, economy, and social dynamics.
