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East Walnut Neighborhood, Columbia, Missouri: Demographic Transition from White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Walnut in Columbia, Missouri, is a neighborhood with a White Majority population of 68% in 2022. The area has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, trending towards increased diversity. The median income in 2022 was $30,386, representing a decline from its peak in 2017. East Walnut's proximity to the University of Missouri likely influences its population composition and economic fluctuations.
Over the past decade, East Walnut has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to one approaching Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity with a 93% white population. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority, the community experienced a significant increase in its Black population, rising from 2% in 2013 to 27% in 2022. This shift indicates that East Walnut is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater racial diversity.
The Hispanic population has emerged in the data since 2019, growing from 0% to 3% by 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has fluctuated, peaking at 10% in 2016 before declining to 3% in 2022. These changes suggest a dynamic and evolving demographic landscape.
The median income in East Walnut has shown significant volatility over the reported period. From 2013 to 2017, there was an increase from $24,701 to $52,537. However, since 2017, there has been a decline, with the median income dropping to $30,386 in 2022. This economic downturn correlates with the increasing diversity in the neighborhood. As the percentage of non-white residents increased, particularly the Black population, the median income decreased.
The population of East Walnut has fluctuated, growing from 638 in 2013 to a peak of 1,182 in 2018, before declining to 908 in 2022. These population changes, coupled with the income fluctuations, suggest a neighborhood in transition, possibly influenced by university enrollment patterns and broader economic factors.
The demographic shifts observed in East Walnut align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The sharp decline in median income is more pronounced than national averages. The proximity to a major university likely contributes to this volatility, as student populations can significantly impact local demographics and economics.
The transition from Low Diversity to approaching Moderate Diversity, with a growing Black population, reflects similar patterns seen in many college towns across the United States. These areas often serve as microcosms of broader societal changes, with universities acting as catalysts for increased diversity and cultural exchange.
East Walnut exemplifies a neighborhood in flux, balancing between its historical White Majority status and an emerging, more diverse community profile. The economic challenges evidenced by the declining median income suggest that this transition may be accompanied by socio-economic strains that warrant attention from local policymakers and community leaders to ensure equitable development and opportunities for all residents.
