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Demographic Shifts in North Park: A Study of Racial Composition and Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Park, a neighborhood in Billings, Montana, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 66% of residents, with Native American (14%) and Hispanic (9%) populations. The neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more homogeneous community to one with increasing diversity. Economically, North Park has seen fluctuations in median income, with a figure of $43,428 in 2022, reflecting a mix of economic challenges and opportunities.
From 2013 to 2022, North Park transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. The white population decreased from 79% to 66%. The Native American population grew from 11% to 14%, and the Hispanic population increased from 5% to 9%. The Asian population emerged, growing from no significant presence to 2% by 2022.
The median income has fluctuated, from $36,510 in 2013 to a peak of $53,034 in 2021, before declining to $43,428 in 2022. The population has oscillated between about 5,400 and 6,200 residents over the decade. The periods of highest income (2020-2021) coincide with the highest levels of diversity.
The demographic shifts in North Park reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the Native American population may be influenced by Billings' proximity to several Native American reservations in Montana. The economic volatility experienced in North Park is more pronounced than national averages. This suggests that local factors, possibly related to the changing demographics or specific to Billings' economy, are playing a role in the neighborhood's economic trajectory.
The transition towards greater diversity in North Park aligns with national trends but is occurring at a faster rate than many similar-sized communities. This change may present opportunities for cultural enrichment and challenges in community cohesion and resource allocation.
North Park is undergoing a transition from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse, moderately integrated community. This shift brings potential economic benefits, as seen in the income peaks of 2020-2021, but also introduces challenges of economic stability and community adaptation. The neighborhood's evolution offers a microcosm of broader demographic shifts occurring across the United States, particularly in smaller urban areas experiencing rapid diversification.
