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Demographic Analysis of Riverside/Normal City: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Riverside/Normal City neighborhood in Muncie, Indiana, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as "Low Diversity" with a predominant white population. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 82% of residents, with a median income of $19,370. The neighborhood's proximity to Ball State University likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Riverside/Normal City has maintained its status as a predominantly white community, consistently falling under the "Low Diversity" category. From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood experienced a slight decrease in the white population, from 90% to 84%. In 2018, there was an increase in the Black population from 3% to 9%, briefly pushing the neighborhood towards the "Moderate Diversity" category. By 2022, the community returned to a "Low Diversity" profile, with the white population at 82% and a slight increase in residents identifying as two or more races (7%).
The median income in Riverside/Normal City has fluctuated significantly over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, there was a consistent decline in median income, dropping from $18,281 to $14,642. Since 2018, there has been a general upward trend, with the median income reaching $23,031 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $19,370 in 2022.
The economic shifts correlate with the demographic changes. The period of income decline (2013-2017) coincided with a slight increase in diversity. The subsequent income recovery (2018-2022) aligns with a stabilization of the racial composition, maintaining the white majority while seeing small increases in minority populations.
The demographic trends in Riverside/Normal City differ from national trends. While the U.S. has generally been moving towards greater diversity, this neighborhood has maintained its low diversity status. This could be attributed to its proximity to a university, which might attract a specific demographic.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the recent upward trend in median income, may reflect broader national economic recovery patterns post-2008 recession and post-COVID-19 pandemic. However, the median income remains below the national average, which could be influenced by the large student population typically associated with university neighborhoods.
While Riverside/Normal City has shown signs of becoming a "Transitional Community," the pace of change has been slow. The neighborhood remains predominantly white with low diversity, but subtle shifts in minority populations and economic indicators suggest a gradual evolution in its demographic and economic landscape.
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