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Demographic Analysis of Hot Springs, Arkansas: Race and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Hot Springs, Arkansas, demonstrates demographic stability with gradual changes. As of 2022, the city is classified as "Low Diversity" with a white majority comprising 71% of the population. The city exhibits signs of a slow transition towards increased diversity. The median income has experienced moderate growth over the past decade, potentially influencing and being influenced by these demographic changes.
Hot Springs has maintained its "Low Diversity" status from 2013 to 2022. The white population has decreased from 76% in 2013 to 71% in 2022, indicating a gradual decline. The Black population has remained stable at approximately 13-14% throughout the decade. The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 5% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The proportion of individuals identifying as two or more races has increased from 1% to 4%. These changes suggest Hot Springs is slowly transitioning towards a more diverse community.
The median income in Hot Springs has shown overall growth, increasing from $41,658 in 2013 to $45,206 in 2022, with a peak of $47,566 in 2021. This upward trend in income correlates with the gradual increase in diversity. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 47,000 and 49,000 throughout the decade. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, may indicate a steady integration of new residents without significant displacement of existing populations.
The trends observed in Hot Springs align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in smaller cities and towns. The growth in Hispanic population reflects a nationwide trend of Hispanic population growth and dispersion beyond traditional urban centers.
Based on the observed trends, Hot Springs is likely to continue its gradual transition towards increased diversity over the coming years. The Hispanic population may continue to grow, potentially reaching or exceeding 10% within the next five years. The multiracial category is also likely to expand, reflecting national trends of increased interracial marriages and self-identification as multiracial.
Economically, if current trends persist, the median income may continue to rise, potentially reaching or exceeding $50,000 within the next 5-10 years. This economic growth, coupled with increasing diversity, may attract more young professionals and families, further accelerating the demographic shift.
Hot Springs is likely to remain a "Low Diversity" community in the near term, but it may be on the cusp of transitioning to "Moderate Diversity" within the next decade if current trends accelerate. This transition could bring new cultural influences, economic opportunities, and challenges related to integration and community cohesion.
Hot Springs represents a community in slow but steady demographic transition, balancing its traditional character with gradual diversification and economic growth. Monitoring these trends will be crucial for local policymakers and community leaders to ensure inclusive growth and maintain social harmony as the city evolves.
