Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Westside Neighborhood, Missoula: Low Diversity with Predominantly White Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Westside neighborhood of Missoula, Montana, exhibits Low Diversity characteristics, with a white population comprising 86% of residents in 2022. This predominantly white community has experienced population growth over the past decade, reaching 12,180 residents in 2022. The neighborhood has seen an increase in median income, rising from $43,680 in 2013 to $58,626 in 2022. Westside is located near the Clark Fork River and the University of Montana.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Westside has consistently been categorized as Low Diversity, with the white population remaining above 75%. There are subtle shifts indicating a gradual move towards increased diversity. The white population percentage has decreased from 90% in 2013 to 86% in 2022. There has been a small increase in Hispanic (3% to 4%), Asian (0% to 3%), and Two or More Races (2% to 4%) populations. These changes suggest that Westside might be in the early stages of becoming a Transitional Community, albeit at a slow pace.
The neighborhood has experienced economic growth, with median income increasing by about 34% from 2013 to 2022. This growth correlates with the slight increase in diversity. As the community became marginally more diverse, median income generally trended upward. The population grew by about 22% from 2013 to 2022, potentially indicating increased attractiveness of the area to new residents. The most substantial income jump occurred between 2020 and 2021 (from $61,166 to $66,803), coinciding with an increase in Asian residents and those of Two or More Races.
Westside remains less diverse than many urban areas in the United States, but its gradual diversification aligns with broader national trends of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in American communities. The economic growth in Westside is notable, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.
The neighborhood's proximity to the University of Montana may be influencing these trends, as universities often attract a more diverse population and can drive economic growth in surrounding areas. The steady population increase suggests that Westside is an attractive location for new residents, possibly due to its improving economic conditions and gradual diversification.
Westside remains a Low Diversity community with a strong white majority. Subtle demographic shifts and economic growth over the past decade suggest it may be in the early stages of transition. Continued monitoring of these trends will be crucial to understand if Westside is indeed becoming a Transitional Community and how this might reshape the neighborhood's character and economy in the coming years.
