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Racial Demographics and Economic Trends in North Little Rock, Arkansas
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Little Rock, Arkansas, represents a Majority-Minority community with a Black Plurality as of 2022. The city's racial composition shows African Americans as the largest group at 42%, followed by whites at 46%, with other racial groups comprising 12%. The median income was $40,870 as of 2019.
Over the past decade, North Little Rock has undergone a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, the city had a White Majority, with 52% of the population identifying as white. By 2015, it transitioned to a Majority-Minority status with a White Plurality, as the white population dropped below 50% while remaining the largest single group. In 2018, the city shifted to a Black Plurality, with the African American population becoming the largest group at 43%.
The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable at around 5-6% throughout the decade, while the Asian and multiracial populations have shown slight increases. The demographic shifts have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2019, the median income experienced significant volatility, dropping from $42,811 in 2013 to $35,758 in 2014, before rebounding to $46,850 in 2018 and then declining to $40,870 in 2019.
The population has remained relatively stable, hovering around 66,000 throughout the observed period, indicating that the demographic shifts are likely due to internal changes rather than significant migration patterns.
The trend towards increasing diversity in North Little Rock aligns with broader national patterns, where many urban areas are experiencing growth in minority populations and transitions to Majority-Minority status. The economic volatility observed in North Little Rock may reflect local economic challenges or restructuring.
Based on the observed trends, North Little Rock will likely continue to evolve as a Majority-Minority community with a Black Plurality. The gradual increase in Asian and multiracial populations, coupled with the stable Hispanic presence, suggests a potential transition towards Moderate Diversity in the coming years.
Economically, if the pattern of fluctuation continues, the city may face challenges in establishing long-term economic stability. The overall trend of increasing diversity could potentially attract new businesses and investments seeking to capitalize on a multicultural workforce and consumer base.
North Little Rock is undergoing a demographic transformation typical of many American cities, moving towards greater diversity. The challenge for local policymakers will be to leverage this diversity for economic growth and stability, addressing any disparities that may arise during this transition to ensure equitable development for all community members.
