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Demographic Analysis of Helena Valley West Central, Montana: A Predominantly White Neighborhood with Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Helena Valley West Central, Montana, is a neighborhood characterized by low diversity with a strong white majority comprising 85% of the population as of 2022. The area's population has increased from 9,191 in 2010 to 11,294 in 2022. The neighborhood maintains a median income of $71,297 as of 2022. Helena Valley West Central is a Census Designated Place (CDP) rather than an incorporated city.
Over the past decade, Helena Valley West Central has consistently maintained its status as a white majority community. The percentage of white residents has decreased from 93% in 2014 to 85% in 2022, indicating a slow diversification trend. The Hispanic population has grown from 1% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, while those identifying as Two or More Races increased from 3% to 7% over the same period. This trend suggests that Helena Valley West Central is becoming a transitional community, slowly moving towards greater diversity.
The median income in Helena Valley West Central has shown fluctuations but overall growth over the past decade. From $70,844 in 2013, it rose to $78,593 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $71,297 in 2022. This general upward trend in income correlates with the gradual increase in diversity, suggesting that the area's economic prosperity may be attracting a more diverse population.
Montana as a whole is about 85% white as of 2022. In this context, Helena Valley West Central's demographic composition aligns closely with state averages. However, the area's increasing diversity, particularly in Hispanic and multiracial populations, may be outpacing state-wide trends. The median household income in Montana was approximately $63,249 in 2022, which is lower than Helena Valley West Central's $71,297. This suggests that the neighborhood is more affluent than the state average.
The gradual diversification of Helena Valley West Central, while still maintaining its white majority status, reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and exurban areas. However, the pace of change is slower compared to many urban areas across the United States, which have seen more rapid shifts towards high diversity or majority-minority status.
In conclusion, while Helena Valley West Central remains a low diversity, white majority community, it shows signs of gradual transition. The increasing Hispanic and multiracial populations, coupled with steady economic growth, suggest a community slowly evolving towards greater diversity. This transition, while modest compared to national urban trends, represents significant change in the context of Montana's traditionally homogeneous demographic landscape.
