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Demographic Analysis of Merriam Park: A Predominantly White Neighborhood in St. Paul
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Merriam Park, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a predominantly White Majority neighborhood with a moderate level of diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 79% of the community. The neighborhood's median income was $73,651 in 2022. Merriam Park is known for its historic charm, tree-lined streets, and proximity to several colleges.
Over the past decade, Merriam Park has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but with subtle shifts towards increased diversity. In 2013, the white population represented 80% of residents, indicating a slight decrease to 79% by 2022. This minimal change suggests a stable racial composition, but with small increases in minority populations.
The most notable demographic shifts include a gradual increase in the Asian population from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, a slight decrease in the Black population from 10% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, and an increase in individuals identifying as two or more races, from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable at around 4-5%.
The median income in Merriam Park has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $66,131 in 2013 to $73,651 in 2022, an increase of about 11.4% over nine years. This growth outpaces inflation for the same period, suggesting real economic gains for residents. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $75,765, with a slight decrease in 2022.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 17,300 and 18,500 residents over the decade. The slight increase in population from 18,173 in 2013 to 18,484 in 2022 coupled with rising incomes might indicate gentrification or increased desirability of the neighborhood.
The demographic trends in Merriam Park reflect broader national patterns of slow but steady increases in diversity, particularly in urban and suburban areas. However, the neighborhood's rate of diversification appears slower than national averages, maintaining a higher percentage of white residents compared to many urban areas across the United States.
The economic growth in Merriam Park aligns with trends seen in many college-adjacent neighborhoods nationwide, where proximity to educational institutions often correlates with higher incomes and property values. The stability of the population size, coupled with income growth, suggests that the neighborhood has maintained its attractiveness without significant displacement.
Merriam Park exemplifies a stable, predominantly white, middle to upper-middle-class urban neighborhood experiencing gradual diversification and economic growth. While not undergoing dramatic demographic shifts, the subtle changes indicate a slow transition towards increased multiculturalism, reflecting broader national trends but at a more measured pace.
