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Demographic Analysis of Lower Rattlesnake: A Predominantly White Neighborhood in Missoula, Montana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lower Rattlesnake in Missoula, Montana, is characterized as a neighborhood with Low Diversity, with a White Majority of 88% in 2022. The population has shown minimal change over the past decade, increasing from 2,737 in 2010 to 2,861 in 2022. The neighborhood's median income was $68,396 in 2022. Lower Rattlesnake's proximity to the University of Montana and access to outdoor recreational opportunities may influence its demographic and economic patterns.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Lower Rattlesnake has maintained its status as a Low Diversity neighborhood with a White Majority. The percentage of white residents has consistently remained above 88% during this time, with minor fluctuations. Slight increases in diversity have been observed, particularly in the Hispanic and Two or More Races categories, but these changes have not significantly altered the neighborhood's overall diversity classification.
The most significant demographic shift has been a small but consistent increase in the Hispanic population, from 0% in 2015 to 5% in 2022. The Two or More Races category has also grown from 0% to 3% over the same period. These trends indicate that while the neighborhood remains predominantly white, it is experiencing a gradual increase in diversity, potentially signaling the early stages of a Transitional Community.
The median income in Lower Rattlesnake has shown significant fluctuations over the years. It reached its peak at $77,335 in 2016 and its lowest point at $62,646 in 2019. The periods of highest income (2014-2017) coincided with the lowest levels of diversity in the neighborhood. As the community has become slightly more diverse in recent years, the median income has stabilized around $68,000-$76,000.
The population has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations. A notable increase from 2,945 in 2019 to 3,128 in 2020 was followed by a decrease to 2,861 in 2022. These population changes do not appear to correlate strongly with changes in diversity or median income.
The gradual increase in diversity in Lower Rattlesnake aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. However, the neighborhood's rate of diversification appears to be slower than many other parts of the country. The median income in Lower Rattlesnake ($68,396 in 2022) is likely higher than the national median, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that despite its lack of racial diversity, the neighborhood maintains a relatively strong economic position.
The stability of the White Majority in Lower Rattlesnake, despite minor increases in diversity, may be influenced by factors such as its proximity to the University of Montana, which could attract a specific demographic of students and faculty. Additionally, the area's outdoor recreational opportunities might appeal to a particular segment of the population, potentially contributing to its demographic stability.
In conclusion, while Lower Rattlesnake shows signs of very gradual diversification, it remains a predominantly white, economically stable neighborhood. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these small shifts in diversity will accelerate, potentially transforming the area into a more diverse community, or whether it will maintain its current demographic composition.
