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Demographic Analysis of Historic West Broadway: A White Majority Neighborhood with Subtle Shifts in Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Historic West Broadway in Columbia, Missouri, is a White Majority neighborhood with a median income of $54,159 as of 2022. The area has maintained a consistent racial composition over the past decade, with white residents constituting 72% of the population in 2022. This neighborhood is known for its historic charm, featuring well-preserved 19th-century homes and tree-lined streets, which contributes to its unique character within Columbia.
Over the past decade, Historic West Broadway has predominantly remained a White Majority neighborhood. The percentage of white residents has fluctuated slightly, ranging from a low of 72% in 2022 to a high of 80% in 2020-2021. The black population has seen more significant changes, decreasing from 17% in 2013-2014 to a low of 8% in 2021, before increasing again to 16% in 2022. There has been a gradual increase in the Asian population, from 2% in 2013 to 4-6% in recent years. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, hovering between 2-5% throughout the decade.
The median income in Historic West Broadway has shown considerable fluctuation over the past decade. From 2013 to 2015, median income rose steadily from $48,818 to $53,001. In 2016, there was a significant jump to $60,356. From 2017 to 2019, there was a period of decline and stabilization around $54,000-$56,000. In 2020-2021, another notable increase occurred, peaking at $64,099 in 2021. In 2022, there was a sharp decline to $54,159.
These economic fluctuations do not appear to directly correlate with the subtle demographic shifts. However, the recent decline in median income coincides with the increase in the black population percentage, which could suggest changing economic dynamics in the neighborhood. The population of the neighborhood has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 386 and 471 residents over the decade. This stability in population, combined with the fluctuating income levels, might indicate changes in the type of residents rather than large-scale demographic shifts.
The neighborhood's persistent white majority is not uncommon for smaller Midwestern cities, though many urban areas have been trending towards increased diversity. The fluctuations in median income, particularly the sharp rise and fall between 2020 and 2022, may reflect broader economic trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The slight increase in diversity, particularly in the Asian population, aligns with national trends of growing Asian communities in many U.S. cities.
While Historic West Broadway has maintained its status as a White Majority neighborhood, subtle shifts towards increased diversity are evident. The economic fluctuations, particularly in recent years, suggest a dynamic community that may be experiencing changes in its resident profile. These trends warrant continued observation to determine if they represent the beginning of more significant demographic and economic shifts in the future.
