Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Shepard Boulevard: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Shepard Boulevard in Columbia, Missouri, exhibits demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The neighborhood is characterized as having a "White Majority" with 68% of the population identifying as white in 2022. This majority has decreased over the past decade, indicating a shift towards greater diversity. The neighborhood's median income was $41,687 in 2022, suggesting moderate economic status with significant growth in recent years. Shepard Boulevard's proximity to the University of Missouri likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
From 2013 to 2022, Shepard Boulevard transitioned from "Low Diversity" to approaching "Moderate Diversity." The white population decreased from 80% to 68%, while the Asian population increased from 5% to 16%. This shift suggests a trend towards a more diverse community. The neighborhood has shown characteristics of a "Transitional Community," particularly in the growth of its Asian population and, to a lesser extent, its multiracial population, which increased from 4% to 5% during this period.
The demographic shifts in Shepard Boulevard coincided with economic changes. The median income increased from $27,580 in 2013 to $41,687 in 2022, a rise of over 51%. This economic improvement occurred alongside increasing diversity, suggesting a possible correlation between the two trends. The population of the neighborhood remained relatively stable during this period, with only minor fluctuations.
The trends observed in Shepard Boulevard align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas, particularly those near universities. The growth in the Asian population mirrors trends seen in many college towns across the United States, where international students and faculty often contribute to demographic shifts.
The economic growth in Shepard Boulevard outpaces the national average for the same period, which saw median household incomes rise by about 30% from 2013 to 2022. This above-average growth could be attributed to the neighborhood's proximity to the university, which may provide stable employment opportunities and attract higher-income residents.
Shepard Boulevard exemplifies a community in transition, moving from low to moderate diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. These changes likely reflect broader trends in university towns and suggest a dynamic, evolving neighborhood that may continue to see shifts in its demographic and economic landscape in the coming years.
