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Demographic Composition and Racial Trends in West Ash, Columbia: A Predominantly White Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Ash, a neighborhood in Columbia, Missouri, is characterized by low diversity with a predominantly White population of 84% in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced fluctuations in its demographic composition and economic status over the past decade. West Ash is known for its historic charm, featuring early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets.
From 2013 to 2022, West Ash maintained a White Majority status, with the white population ranging from 73% to 89%. The neighborhood transitioned from Moderate Diversity to Low Diversity by 2015, as the White population increased to 85%. Between 2015 and 2019, the area maintained Low Diversity but showed signs of becoming more inclusive, with slight increases in Asian and Hispanic populations.
From 2019 to 2022, the neighborhood briefly approached Moderate Diversity again but reverted to Low Diversity by 2021-2022. There was a significant decrease in the Black population from 8% in 2020 to 3% in 2021, and an increase in the Hispanic population from 4% to 8% between 2020 and 2022.
The median income in West Ash has shown volatility. From 2013 to 2016, there was a period of economic growth, with median income rising from $35,252 to $50,377. From 2016 to 2020, there was a sharp decline, with median income dropping to $37,920. From 2020 to 2022, there was relative stability, with minor fluctuations around $38,000.
The economic trends correlate with demographic shifts. The period of highest economic growth coincided with increasing racial homogeneity. The economic decline occurred alongside slight increases in diversity. This suggests that economic pressures may have influenced demographic composition, possibly through changes in housing affordability or job market dynamics.
The trends in West Ash reflect broader national patterns of suburban demographic change, where historically white neighborhoods are experiencing gradual increases in diversity. The pace of change in West Ash appears slower than national averages. The economic volatility experienced in West Ash is more pronounced than typical suburban trends.
The slight increase in the Hispanic population from 2020 to 2022 aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in suburban areas. The sharp decrease in the Black population from 2020 to 2021 is atypical and may warrant further investigation into local factors that could have prompted this change.
West Ash has maintained its status as a predominantly White neighborhood over the past decade, with subtle shifts towards increased diversity evident in recent years. These demographic changes, coupled with economic fluctuations, suggest a neighborhood in transition, albeit at a slower pace than national averages. The interplay between economic factors and demographic composition highlights the complex dynamics shaping this historic Columbia neighborhood.
