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Demographic and Economic Trends in Multnomah Neighborhood: Shift from Low Diversity to Transitional Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Multnomah, a neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, demonstrates a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority, as 75% of its population identifies as white in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income increasing from $68,958 in 2013 to $89,415 in 2022. Multnomah's proximity to Washington Park, which houses the Oregon Zoo and Portland Japanese Garden, contributes to its residential appeal.
Over the past decade, Multnomah has transitioned from a neighborhood with extremely Low Diversity to one that, while still categorized as Low Diversity, shows signs of increasing racial heterogeneity. In 2013, the neighborhood was 87% white, with minimal representation from other racial groups. By 2022, the percentage of white residents decreased to 75%. This shift suggests that Multnomah is slowly becoming a Transitional Community.
The most notable changes include an increase in the Hispanic population from 5% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, growth in the Asian population from 2% to 4%, the emergence of a Black population rising from nearly 0% to 4%, and an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, from 3% to 7%. These changes indicate a trend towards greater diversity, though the neighborhood has not yet reached the threshold for Moderate Diversity.
The demographic shifts in Multnomah have occurred alongside substantial economic growth. The median income rose from $68,958 in 2013 to $89,415 in 2022, representing a 29.7% increase. This economic growth may have influenced the demographic changes by attracting a more diverse population of professionals to the area, potentially pricing out some long-term residents, and enabling investments in community amenities that appeal to a broader range of residents. The population of Multnomah has grown from 8,002 in 2013 to 8,790 in 2022, suggesting that the neighborhood remains desirable and is accommodating new residents.
The trends observed in Multnomah align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically homogeneous neighborhoods are gradually becoming more diverse. However, Multnomah's pace of diversification appears slower than national averages, as many urban areas have already transitioned to Moderate or High Diversity categories. The economic growth in Multnomah outpaces the national average for the same period, reflecting Portland's overall strong economic performance and attractiveness to high-earning professionals.
Multnomah remains a predominantly white neighborhood with Low Diversity, but it shows signs of transitioning towards greater racial heterogeneity. This shift, coupled with strong economic growth, suggests a neighborhood in flux, likely to continue evolving in terms of both demographics and community character in the coming years.
