Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Missoula, Montana: A Low Diversity, White Majority Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Missoula, Montana, is classified as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 86% of the total, exceeding the 75% threshold for Low Diversity classification. The city's median income in 2022 was $59,590, and its population was 76,960, indicating moderate growth over the past decade.
Over the analyzed period, Missoula has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community. There are subtle signs of increasing diversity. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 4% in 2021 to 5% in 2022. The Hispanic population has remained steady at 5%. The Native American population decreased from 4% to 2% between 2021 and 2022. These changes suggest a gradual trend towards increased diversity, albeit at a slow pace.
Missoula's median income has shown fluctuations over the years. From 2013 to 2015, there was a decline in median income from $44,232 to $37,444. A recovery began in 2016, with steady increases until 2020, reaching $56,732. 2021 saw a jump to $63,270, followed by a decrease to $59,590 in 2022. These economic shifts do not appear to correlate strongly with the subtle demographic changes observed. The overall trend of increasing median income since 2015 could potentially attract more diverse populations to the area in the future.
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 66,905 in 2010 to 76,960 in 2022, a growth of about 15% over 12 years.
Missoula's demographic composition is less diverse than many urban areas across the United States. Its economic trajectory, with increasing median incomes, aligns with broader national trends of economic recovery and growth post-2008 recession.
Based on observed trends, Missoula is likely to remain a White Majority, Low Diversity community in the near future. The slight increases in multi-racial identification and the steady Hispanic population suggest a very gradual shift towards increased diversity.
If current trends continue, Missoula might transition into a Moderate Diversity category over the next couple of decades. This transition would likely be characterized by a gradual decrease in the white population percentage, potentially dropping below 75%, continued growth in the multi-racial and Hispanic populations, and possible increases in other minority populations attracted by economic opportunities.
The city's economic growth, if sustained, could accelerate this diversification by attracting a wider range of residents. However, this process is likely to be slow, given the current overwhelming white majority.
In conclusion, while Missoula remains a Low Diversity, White Majority community, subtle demographic shifts and economic growth suggest a potential long-term trajectory towards increased diversity, albeit at a very gradual pace.
