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Demographic Analysis of River Mountain: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
River Mountain, a neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, currently exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community with increasing diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 67% of residents, with a median income of $90,858. This affluent neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, moving towards greater racial diversity while maintaining its upper-middle-class status. River Mountain is known for its scenic views of the Arkansas River and proximity to outdoor recreational activities.
Over the past decade, River Mountain has undergone a transition from a "Low Diversity" community to one approaching "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the neighborhood had "Low Diversity" with a white population of 77%. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 67%, while other racial groups, particularly Black and Asian residents, saw increases. This shift indicates a trend towards a more diverse community, though it still maintains a "White Majority" status.
The Black population has increased from 15% in 2013 to 19% in 2022, while the Asian population has increased from 2% to 7% during the same period. The Hispanic population has grown from 2% to 4%. These changes suggest that River Mountain is becoming a "Transitional Community," with increasing representation from various racial groups.
The demographic shifts in River Mountain have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income peaked at $106,040 in 2021 but decreased to $90,858 in 2022. Despite this recent decline, the overall trend shows that the neighborhood has maintained its status as an affluent area throughout its demographic transition.
The population has grown from 17,563 in 2013 to 20,396 in 2022, a 16% increase. This population growth, coupled with the increasing diversity, suggests that River Mountain is attracting a wider range of residents while maintaining its economic appeal.
The trends observed in River Mountain align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and traditionally affluent areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions, with formerly homogeneous neighborhoods becoming more diverse as minority populations seek opportunities in areas with strong economies and good schools.
River Mountain's ability to maintain high median incomes while diversifying is noteworthy. This suggests that the neighborhood is attracting affluent or upwardly mobile individuals from various racial backgrounds, rather than experiencing significant socioeconomic shifts alongside its demographic changes.
The growth in the Asian population is consistent with national trends of increasing Asian American representation in high-income suburbs. The steady increase in the Black population also reflects a broader trend of African American suburbanization in many U.S. metropolitan areas.
River Mountain exemplifies a "Transitional Community" that is gradually moving from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" while maintaining its economic status. This evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing suburban diversity and suggests that the neighborhood is integrating new residents from various backgrounds without experiencing significant economic disruption. As this trend continues, River Mountain may eventually transition from a "White Majority" area to one of "Racial Plurality" or "High Diversity" in the coming years, potentially serving as a model for inclusive community development in Little Rock and similar cities across the United States.
