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Demographic Shifts in Riverfront, Missoula: Analysis of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Riverfront neighborhood in Missoula, Montana, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a white majority of 81% as of 2022. The neighborhood has shown gradual diversification over the past decade. The median income in Riverfront was $39,881 in 2022, indicating a moderate economic status. Riverfront's proximity to the Clark Fork River offers residents scenic views and recreational opportunities.
Over the past decade, Riverfront has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community, but with notable changes. The white population decreased from 94% in 2013 to 81% in 2022, indicating a slow but steady diversification trend. The neighborhood is showing signs of becoming a Transitional Community. The Hispanic population increased from 0% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, and the Asian population grew from 0% to 4%. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 1% to 5%, further contributing to the diversification trend.
The economic landscape of Riverfront has shown fluctuations over the decade. Median income peaked at $44,545 in 2015 but has since fluctuated, settling at $39,881 in 2022. This volatility might be linked to the changing demographic composition. The neighborhood's population grew from 2,423 in 2010 to 2,864 in 2022, a 18.2% increase. This growth coincides with the increasing diversity, suggesting that new residents from various backgrounds are moving into the area. The periods of higher diversity (2018-2022) generally corresponded with slightly lower median incomes compared to the peak in 2015. This might indicate that newer, more diverse residents are entering at lower income levels, possibly due to factors like age or job market entry points.
Riverfront's gradual diversification aligns with broader trends in Montana, which has historically been predominantly white but is slowly becoming more diverse, particularly in urban areas like Missoula. The increase in multiracial and Hispanic populations in Riverfront reflects national demographic shifts, where these groups are among the fastest-growing in the United States. The median income fluctuations in Riverfront may be indicative of broader economic trends affecting mid-sized cities, where changing job markets and demographic shifts can have noticeable impacts on local economies.
Riverfront remains a Low Diversity community with a strong white majority, but it shows clear signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This demographic evolution, coupled with economic fluctuations, suggests a neighborhood in flux, potentially driven by factors such as changing employment opportunities, housing affordability, or the area's natural amenities attracting a more diverse population. As this trend continues, it may lead to further changes in the neighborhood's social and economic fabric in the coming years.
