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Demographic Changes in Smithton Ridge: White Majority and Racial Composition Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Smithton Ridge, a neighborhood in Columbia, Missouri, exhibits a low diversity demographic profile with a White Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 465 and a median income of $48,964. Smithton Ridge is located near the University of Missouri, which likely influences its demographic makeup and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Smithton Ridge has undergone shifts in its racial composition, maintaining a White Majority status. In 2013, the neighborhood had Moderate Diversity, with 69% White, 12% Asian, and 7% Black populations. By 2022, the area transitioned to Low Diversity, with the White population increasing to 88% while other racial groups declined.
The Asian population experienced significant fluctuation, peaking at 18% in 2020-2021 before decreasing to 4% in 2022. This shift suggests potential external factors, such as changes in university enrollment or local employment opportunities, affecting the neighborhood's demographic composition.
The median income in Smithton Ridge has increased from $39,936 in 2013 to $48,964 in 2022, representing a 22.6% growth over the decade. This economic improvement correlates with the increasing White Majority and could indicate a gentrification process or changing housing market dynamics.
The population has grown from 304 in 2013 to 465 in 2022, a 53% increase. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes and decreasing diversity, suggests that Smithton Ridge may be becoming more desirable for higher-income, predominantly white residents.
The demographic shifts in Smithton Ridge contrast with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces the national average, with Smithton Ridge's 22.6% growth in median income compared to the U.S. average of about 10% from 2013 to 2022.
The proximity to the University of Missouri likely influences these trends. Changes in international student enrollment, particularly from Asian countries, could explain the fluctuations in the Asian population. The growing appeal of the neighborhood to university faculty or staff might contribute to the increasing White population and rising incomes.
Smithton Ridge has evolved from a moderately diverse community to one with low diversity and a strong White Majority over the past decade. This change has been accompanied by significant population growth and economic improvement, potentially reflecting broader changes in the local housing market and the influence of the nearby university. These trends diverge from national patterns of increasing urban diversity.
