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Demographic Shifts in Ridgeway, Columbia: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Ridgeway neighborhood in Columbia, Missouri, classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a slight white plurality as of 2022, has a population of 714 and a median income of $27,808. Its proximity to the University of Missouri campus likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
Ridgeway has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. In 2013, it was a "White Majority" community with 52% white residents. By 2020, it had transitioned to a "Black Majority" area with 51% black residents. As of 2022, the area has returned to a "Moderate Diversity" classification with a white plurality (50%) and a significant black population (42%). The neighborhood has maintained a low percentage of Asian, Hispanic, and other racial groups throughout the observed period. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races decreased from 12% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
The median income in Ridgeway has shown an overall increasing trend from $26,643 in 2013 to $27,808 in 2022, with a significant dip between 2015 and 2017, reaching a low of $22,465 in 2016. This period coincides with the transition from a white majority to a more diverse community. The population of Ridgeway has generally decreased over the decade, from 1,034 in 2013 to 714 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in Ridgeway reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly those near universities. The transition from a white majority to a more diverse community is consistent with many college towns across the United States, where student populations and changing migration patterns contribute to evolving demographics.
The median income in Ridgeway ($27,808 in 2022) is lower than the national median household income (approximately $70,784 in 2021). This disparity is common in neighborhoods with a high concentration of students or recent graduates. The population decline in Ridgeway contrasts with the general trend of population growth in many U.S. cities. This could be due to local factors such as changes in university enrollment, housing availability, or economic opportunities in the broader Columbia area.
Ridgeway has experienced notable demographic and economic changes over the past decade, transitioning from a white majority community to one with moderate diversity and a slight white plurality. These shifts, likely influenced by its proximity to the University of Missouri, reflect broader trends in college towns and urban areas across the United States. The neighborhood's economic indicators, while showing some improvement, suggest ongoing challenges in income growth and population retention.
