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Demographic Transformation in Heart of Missoula: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Heart of Missoula neighborhood in Missoula, Montana, is experiencing a demographic transition from a predominantly White community to one with increasing diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 76% of the neighborhood, with a Hispanic presence of 9%. The area's median income in 2022 is $31,809. The neighborhood's proximity to the University of Montana likely influences its demographic composition and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, the Heart of Missoula has shifted from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity with an 88% white population. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 76%, indicating increased diversity. Significant changes include an increase in the Hispanic population from 1% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, growth in the Asian population from 1% to 2%, an increase in the Native American population from 1% to 5%, and an increase in the multiracial population from 5% to 6%. These changes suggest the neighborhood is becoming a Transitional Community.
The median income in the Heart of Missoula has fluctuated over the past decade, showing a general upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $27,401. It slightly decreased to $27,204 in 2017, then significantly increased to $33,845 in 2020, before slightly decreasing to $31,809 in 2022. This overall increase in median income correlates with the increasing diversity, suggesting that the influx of diverse populations may contribute to economic growth in the area.
Population figures show an interesting trend. The population was 2,817 in 2013, decreased to 2,566 in 2017, and then significantly increased to 3,132 in 2022. This recent population growth aligns with the increasing diversity and rising median income, indicating that the neighborhood is becoming more attractive to a wider range of residents.
The demographic shifts in the Heart of Missoula reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly those near universities. The growth in Hispanic and Asian populations is consistent with national patterns of these groups expanding their presence in various communities across the United States. The economic fluctuations, particularly the significant increase in median income between 2017 and 2020, may be related to national economic trends, including the pre-pandemic economic boom. The slight decrease in 2022 could be attributed to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Heart of Missoula is undergoing a transformation from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse, economically dynamic neighborhood. This transition is likely influenced by its proximity to the University of Montana and reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The correlation between increasing diversity and rising median incomes suggests a positive economic impact of these demographic changes, though challenges may arise as the community adapts to its evolving identity.
