Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of University District, Missoula: A Low Diversity, White Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The University District in Missoula, Montana, is characterized as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority, with 89% of the population identifying as white in 2022. This neighborhood, associated with the University of Montana, has experienced minor demographic changes over the past decade while maintaining its predominantly white composition. The median income of $45,008 in 2022 indicates a moderate economic status, potentially influenced by a combination of student, faculty, and local resident populations.
Throughout the observed period (2013-2022), the University District has consistently maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. The white population percentage decreased from 83% in 2013 to 79% in 2017-2018, showing a brief trend towards slightly increased diversity. From 2019 onwards, there was a reversal, with the white population percentage increasing to 89% by 2022, reinforcing the Low Diversity categorization. The Asian population increased from 3% in 2013 to 8% in 2017, before declining to 1% by 2022. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, ranging between 2-5% throughout the decade.
The median income in the University District has shown fluctuations over the years. It increased from $40,143 in 2013 to $45,771 in 2017, coinciding with the period of slightly increased diversity. There was a significant drop to $39,538 in 2018, followed by a recovery to $45,195 by 2020. The most recent data shows a median income of $45,008 in 2022, similar to the 2020 level. These income fluctuations do not seem to correlate strongly with the minor demographic shifts, suggesting that other factors may have a more significant impact on income levels in this area.
The demographic makeup of the University District, with its overwhelming white majority, is consistent with Montana's status as one of the least diverse states in the U.S. The slight increase in diversity from 2013 to 2017, particularly in the Asian population, might reflect a trend of increasing international student enrollment or faculty recruitment at the University of Montana during that period.
The median income in this neighborhood is lower than the Montana state median household income, which was around $57,153 in 2020. This lower figure could be attributed to the large student population in the area, who typically have lower incomes.
The population of the neighborhood has decreased slightly from 7,189 in 2013 to 6,730 in 2022, which could be related to changes in university enrollment or housing patterns in the area. This trend contrasts with the overall growth of Missoula during the same period, suggesting that the University District may be experiencing unique demographic pressures compared to the broader city.
In conclusion, while the University District has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community over the past decade, it has experienced subtle demographic shifts and economic fluctuations. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of university-adjacent neighborhoods and the complex interplay between educational institutions, local economics, and demographic patterns.
