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Demographic Transition in Florissant, Missouri: From White Majority to Majority-Minority Status
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Florissant, Missouri, as of 2022, is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity". The population of 59,912 consists primarily of Black (44%) and White (47%) residents, with smaller representations of Hispanic (2%) and multiracial (5%) groups. The median income of $63,722 in 2022 indicates a middle-class economic status for the city.
Over the past decade, Florissant has undergone a significant demographic transition. In 2013, the city was categorized as having a "White Majority" with 63% of the population. By 2018, it had shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" profile, with no racial group exceeding 50%. The White population percentage consistently declined from 63% in 2013 to 47% in 2022, while the Black population increased from 31% in 2013 to 44% in 2022, indicating a clear "Transitional Community" status.
The median income in Florissant has shown moderate growth over the past decade, rising from $59,828 in 2013 to $63,722 in 2022, an increase of about 6.5%. This growth, while positive, has not kept pace with inflation, suggesting a relative stagnation in real income. The period of most rapid demographic change (2013-2018) coincided with a period of relative income stability, with median income fluctuating between $57,747 and $60,324. The more recent years (2019-2022) have seen both accelerated income growth and a stabilization of the demographic shift.
The demographic shift in Florissant aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The moderate income growth is also consistent with national patterns of slow wage growth in many middle-class communities.
Based on the observed trends, Florissant will likely continue its trajectory towards greater diversity. The Black population may soon become the plurality, potentially leading to a "Black Plurality" categorization within the next 5-10 years if current trends continue. Economically, the recent uptick in median income growth is promising, but its sustainability remains uncertain. If the community can leverage its increasing diversity to attract new businesses and opportunities, accelerated economic growth might occur. However, this will depend on successful integration and equitable economic policies.
Florissant appears to be at a pivotal point in its demographic and economic evolution. Its transition from a "White Majority" to a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity" over the past decade reflects broader national trends towards increasing diversity. The economic implications of this shift are still unfolding, with recent years showing promising income growth. The city's future success will likely depend on how well it can harness its growing diversity as a strength for economic and social development.
