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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Rockingham Neighborhood, Columbia, Missouri
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Rockingham neighborhood in Columbia, Missouri, is classified as a "White Majority" community as of 2022, with a median income of $40,726. Over the past decade, this neighborhood has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" area to its current "White Majority" status. Rockingham's proximity to the University of Missouri is a notable characteristic that likely influences its demographic and economic profile.
From 2013 to 2022, Rockingham experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, the white population constituted 75% of residents, categorizing the area as "Low Diversity." By 2022, this percentage decreased to 67%, maintaining a "White Majority" but no longer meeting the "Low Diversity" criteria. This shift indicates a trend towards increased diversity in the neighborhood.
The most significant changes in the racial composition of Rockingham include an increase in the Black population from 16% in 2013 to 21% in 2022, the emergence and growth of a Hispanic population from negligible levels to 3%, and an increase in residents identifying as two or more races from 1% to 6%. These changes suggest that Rockingham is evolving into a "Transitional Community" with gradually increasing minority populations.
The demographic shifts in Rockingham correlate with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2016, as diversity began to increase, median income rose from $37,133 to $52,542. However, from 2016 to 2022, as diversity continued to increase, median income declined to $40,726. This pattern suggests that initial increases in diversity coincided with economic growth, followed by a period of economic decline.
Population figures in Rockingham show volatility, with a peak of 3,208 residents in 2018 and a decline to 2,748 by 2022. This population decrease coincides with the period of declining median income, potentially indicating changing neighborhood dynamics or economic pressures.
The demographic changes in Rockingham reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. The neighborhood's proximity to a major university likely accelerates these changes. The economic fluctuations in Rockingham, particularly the recent decline in median income, may be part of a larger trend affecting mid-sized cities in the Midwest.
Rockingham exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from low diversity to increased racial representation while experiencing economic fluctuations. These changes likely reflect both local factors, such as the influence of the nearby university, and broader national trends towards increased diversity in urban areas. The economic challenges faced by the neighborhood in recent years suggest a need for targeted economic development strategies to support the evolving community demographics.
