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Demographic Analysis of Owatonna, Minnesota: A Low Diversity White Majority City
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Owatonna, Minnesota, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a white majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 86% of the total, while other racial groups have minimal representation. The city's median income of $73,882 in 2022 suggests a relatively stable economic environment.
Over the past decade, Owatonna has consistently maintained its status as a low diversity community with a white majority. However, there are subtle signs of increasing diversity. The white population percentage has slightly decreased from 87% in 2013 to 86% in 2022. The Black population has shown a modest increase from 3% to 4% over the same period. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 6-7%. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races has increased from 1% to 3%.
The median income in Owatonna has shown a general upward trend. In 2013, it was $64,550, and in 2022, it reached $73,882. This represents a 14.5% increase over nine years, outpacing inflation and suggesting improved economic conditions. The population has also grown modestly from 29,891 in 2013 to 30,517 in 2022, a 2.1% increase.
Owatonna's demographic composition reflects a pattern common in many smaller Midwestern cities, which often have a predominant white population. The gradual increase in diversity, though small, aligns with broader national trends of increasing racial diversity in the United States. The city's economic growth appears to be healthy, with income growth outpacing population growth.
Based on the observed trends, it is likely that Owatonna will continue to experience slow but steady diversification over the coming years. However, given the current pace of change, it is unlikely to transition out of the low diversity category in the near future. The most probable scenario is that Owatonna will remain a white majority community, but may begin to approach the threshold of a transitional community if the trends of increasing representation among Black, Hispanic, and multiracial residents continue or accelerate.
Economically, if the current trends persist, continued growth in median income can be expected. This economic stability, combined with gradual diversification, may make the city increasingly attractive to a broader range of residents, potentially accelerating the pace of demographic change in the longer term. In conclusion, while Owatonna remains a low diversity, white majority community, subtle shifts in its demographic makeup and consistent economic growth suggest a city slowly evolving towards greater diversity while maintaining economic stability.
