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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Muskogee, Oklahoma, as of 2022, is categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a slight "White Majority." The city's demographic composition shows a white population at 51%, with significant representations from Native American (16%), Black (13%), and multiracial (11%) populations. This diversity is observed alongside economic challenges, with a median income of $44,091 in 2022, below the national average.
Over the past decade, Muskogee has undergone a gradual transition from a clearer "White Majority" community to one approaching "Majority-Minority" status. The white population has decreased from 57% in 2013 to 51% in 2022. This shift aligns with the definition of a "Transitional Community," as evidenced by increasing percentages of Hispanic and multiracial populations.
The Native American population has increased slightly from 13% to 16%, while the Black population has remained stable at around 13%. The "Two or More Races" category has risen from 9% to 11%, indicating a trend towards increased racial mixing and diversity.
The city's median income has shown a fluctuating but generally upward trend, rising from $39,361 in 2013 to $44,091 in 2022. This 12% increase over a decade barely keeps pace with inflation, suggesting stagnant real wage growth. The population has steadily declined from 47,412 in 2013 to 44,150 in 2022, a decrease of about 7%.
The correlation between demographic shifts and economic trends is notable. As the community has become more diverse, there has been a modest increase in median income. However, the population decline suggests that economic opportunities may not be expanding rapidly enough to retain residents, particularly as the racial makeup changes.
Muskogee's demographic shift towards greater diversity aligns with broader national trends, particularly in mid-sized cities. The increase in the multiracial population is consistent with national census data showing this as the fastest-growing racial category in the United States. However, Muskogee's population decline contrasts with the growth seen in many diverse urban areas, suggesting local economic factors may be outweighing the potential benefits of increased diversity.
Based on observed trends, Muskogee is likely to transition into a "Majority-Minority" community within the next 5-10 years if current trends continue. The white population is decreasing by approximately 0.6 percentage points per year, while the combined minority populations are increasing at a similar rate.
Economically, if the current trajectory persists, a continued modest increase in median income might be observed, but it may not be sufficient to reverse the population decline without significant economic development initiatives. The city may need to leverage its increasing diversity as an asset to attract new businesses and retain younger residents.
In terms of library categories, Muskogee is moving from "Moderate Diversity" with a slight "White Majority" towards potentially becoming a "High Diversity" community. This transition could occur if the white population drops below 50% and if the Hispanic and multiracial populations continue to grow, potentially reaching the 10% threshold that would give the city three significant minority groups alongside its white, Native American, and Black populations.
This demographic evolution presents both challenges and opportunities for Muskogee. Increased diversity can bring cultural richness and new perspectives, but it also requires thoughtful community planning to ensure economic growth and social cohesion keep pace with these changes.