Demographic Analysis of Manchester, NH: Low Diversity and Racial Composition (2016-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Manchester, New Hampshire, as of 2022, is classified as a city with "Low Diversity" based on demographic data. The white population comprises 74% of the total, which is just below the 75% threshold for this category. The city has experienced gradual changes in its demographic composition over the past decade, along with significant economic growth.
From 2016 to 2022, Manchester has consistently remained in the "Low Diversity" category, but with a slight trend towards increased diversity. The white population decreased from 77% in 2016 to 74% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 11% to 15%. This shift indicates a slow transition towards a more diverse community, potentially moving towards "Moderate Diversity" in the future.
The city has also experienced growth in its Asian and Black populations, although these changes have been less pronounced. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has increased from 2% in 2016 to 5% in 2022, indicating a growing multiracial community.
Alongside these demographic shifts, Manchester has experienced substantial economic growth. The median income has risen from $54,664 in 2016 to $74,769 in 2022, an increase of about 37% over six years. This growth outpaces inflation and suggests a significant improvement in the economic well-being of the city's residents.
The population has also grown steadily, from 110,499 in 2016 to 115,141 in 2022, an increase of about 4.2%. This population growth, combined with the rising median income, indicates that Manchester has been attracting new residents, possibly due to improving economic opportunities.
The trends in Manchester align with broader patterns seen in many U.S. cities. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly through growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations, reflects national demographic shifts. The significant increase in median income also suggests that Manchester may be outperforming national averages in terms of economic growth.
Based on the observed trends, Manchester is likely to continue its trajectory towards greater diversity. If current trends persist, the city could transition from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" within the next 5-10 years. This shift would be characterized by a continued decrease in the white population percentage and increases in Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial communities.
Economically, the strong growth in median income suggests that Manchester may continue to attract new residents and businesses. This could further accelerate demographic changes and potentially lead to a "Transitional Community" classification in the future, especially if the growth of minority populations continues to outpace that of the white population.
These changes may bring new challenges, such as potential gentrification, changing housing needs, and the need for culturally responsive services. Manchester's leaders should be prepared to address these issues to ensure equitable growth and maintain community cohesion as the city evolves.
