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Mt. Baker Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Demographics and Diversity Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Mt. Baker, a neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 73% of the neighborhood, with Hispanic and Asian communities each representing 9%. Mt. Baker is located near the Cascade Mountains and outdoor recreational activities.
Over the past decade, Mt. Baker has transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the white population was 82%, decreasing to 73% by 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 4% to 9%, and the Asian population from 7% to 9% during this period. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 3% to 7%.
The demographic shifts in Mt. Baker have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income remained relatively stable, moving from $74,013 to $71,785. The lowest median income of $66,382 was recorded in 2016, coinciding with the beginning of more significant increases in racial diversity.
The population of Mt. Baker has grown from 10,053 in 2013 to 11,109 in 2022, an increase of about 10.5%. This population growth, combined with the increasing diversity, suggests that the neighborhood has become more attractive to a wider range of residents over the past decade.
The trends observed in Mt. Baker align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from low to moderate diversity, particularly with growth in Hispanic and Asian populations. Mt. Baker's relatively high median income suggests that this diversification is occurring in a context of economic stability.
The neighborhood's ability to maintain a stable median income while diversifying could indicate that it's attracting a mix of established residents and newcomers from various backgrounds. This may be driven by factors such as job opportunities, quality of life, or the area's natural amenities.
Mt. Baker exemplifies a Transitional Community moving towards greater diversity while maintaining economic stability. This evolution reflects broader national trends but also highlights the neighborhood's unique appeal as it continues to attract a more diverse population without significant economic disruption.
