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Demographic Analysis of McMillian Mesa: A White Majority Neighborhood with Evolving Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
McMillian Mesa, a neighborhood in Flagstaff, Arizona, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 58% of the neighborhood, with Hispanic (21%) and Native American (16%) populations forming significant minorities. The median income in 2022 was $66,792, indicating a relatively prosperous area, though this represents a decrease from the previous year. The neighborhood's proximity to Northern Arizona University likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, McMillian Mesa has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but has experienced subtle shifts in its racial composition. The Hispanic population increased from 24% in 2013 to 31% in 2016, before declining to 21% by 2022. The Native American population fluctuated, starting at 13% in 2013, dropping to 8% in 2015, and then rising to 16% by 2022. While not transitioning to a High Diversity category, the neighborhood has shown movement towards increased representation from multiple racial groups, with growth in the Asian population from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022, and an increase in individuals identifying as two or more races from 1% to 3% over the same period.
The median income in McMillian Mesa has shown significant volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, it remained relatively stable around $50,000. A sharp increase occurred from 2018 to 2021, with the median income nearly doubling from $61,637 to $84,715. However, 2022 saw a substantial decrease to $66,792. These economic trends loosely correlate with demographic shifts. The period of increasing Hispanic population (2013-2016) coincided with modest income growth, while the subsequent decline in Hispanic population and increase in Native American and white populations correlated with the sharp rise in median income from 2018 to 2021.
The demographic trends in McMillian Mesa reflect broader patterns seen in many college towns across the United States. The presence of Northern Arizona University likely contributes to the area's diversity and the fluctuations in racial composition, as student populations can change rapidly. The significant increase in median income from 2018 to 2021, followed by a sharp decrease in 2022, is more dramatic than typical national trends. This could be related to local economic factors, changes in the student population, or broader economic shifts affecting Flagstaff or Arizona as a whole.
The persistent White Majority status of McMillian Mesa, despite its proximity to a university, suggests that while the neighborhood experiences some diversity, it has not transitioned to the High Diversity category often seen in university-adjacent areas. This could indicate that the neighborhood serves more as a residential area for long-term residents rather than primarily housing students.
In conclusion, while McMillian Mesa has maintained its White Majority status over the past decade, it has experienced subtle shifts towards increased diversity, particularly in its Native American and multiracial populations. These demographic changes have occurred alongside significant economic fluctuations, pointing to a dynamic and evolving neighborhood influenced by both local factors and broader socio-economic trends.
