2018’s Most Diverse Cities in the U.S.
1:21 AMPosted by: Richie Bernardo
America is undergoing an extreme makeover, thanks to rapid demographic diversification. By 2050, you won’t even recognize her. But America’s transformation is more than skin-deep — it’s economic, too. Not only have waves of immigration changed the face of the nation, they’ve also brought in fresh perspectives, skills and technologies to help the U.S. develop a strong adaptability to change.
Economies generally fare better when they openly embrace and capitalize on new ideas. Conversely, those relying on old ways and specialized industries tend to be hurt more by changes in the market.
This article is the final installment in WalletHub’s diversity study series. It combines household diversity and religious diversity with our previous reports on socioeconomic diversity, cultural diversity and economic diversity. WalletHub tallied the scores across the five major diversity categories for 501 of the largest cities across 13 metrics. Read on for our findings, expert commentary from a panel of researchers and a full description of our methodology.
Main FindingsEmbed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/12690/geochart-overalldiversity-2018.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="https://ift.tt/2wcEgug>
Most Diverse Cities in America
|
Rank |
Large City Name (Score) |
Rank |
Midsize City Name (Score) |
Rank |
Small City Name (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston, TX (71.49) | 1 | Jersey City, NJ (71.51) | 1 | Silver Spring, MD (71.11) |
| 2 | New York, NY (71.41) | 2 | Stamford, CT (70.53) | 2 | Gaithersburg, MD (70.95) |
| 3 | Dallas, TX (70.97) | 3 | Sandy Springs, GA (70.53) | 3 | Germantown, MD (70.77) |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA (70.87) | 4 | Aurora, IL (70.38) | 4 | Danbury, CT (70.54) |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA (70.76) | 5 | Yonkers, NY (70.35) | 5 | Clifton, NJ (70.29) |
| 6 | Arlington, TX (70.72) | 6 | Alexandria, VA (70.16) | 6 | Norwalk, CT (70.24) |
| 7 | Chicago, IL (70.64) | 7 | Bridgeport, CT (69.88) | 7 | New Rochelle, NY (70.14) |
| 8 | San Jose, CA (70.36) | 8 | Elgin, IL (69.64) | 8 | Roswell, GA (69.99) |
| 9 | San Diego, CA (70.24) | 9 | Kent, WA (69.14) | 9 | Johns Creek, GA (69.89) |
| 10 | Fort Worth, TX (69.78) | 10 | St. Paul, MN (69.05) | 10 | Brooklyn Park, MN (69.70) |
| 11 | Charlotte, NC (69.67) | 11 | Kansas City, KS (68.88) | 11 | Rockville, MD (69.41) |
| 12 | Anaheim, CA (69.56) | 12 | Lowell, MA (68.88) | 12 | Waukegan, IL (69.24) |
| 13 | Fresno, CA (69.49) | 13 | Newark, NJ (68.69) | 13 | Lynn, MA (68.96) |
| 14 | Washington, DC (69.45) | 14 | Plano, TX (68.56) | 14 | Renton, WA (68.94) |
| 15 | Sacramento, CA (69.38) | 15 | Richmond, VA (68.48) | 15 | Hobbs, NM (68.59) |
| 16 | Oakland, CA (69.34) | 16 | Columbia, MD (68.19) | 16 | Hammond, IN (68.52) |
| 17 | Denver, CO (69.27) | 17 | Durham, NC (68.16) | 17 | Federal Way, WA (68.43) |
| 18 | Austin, TX (69.16) | 18 | Orlando, FL (68.15) | 18 | Springdale, AR (68.43) |
| 19 | Boston, MA (69.06) | 19 | Allentown, PA (68.10) | 19 | Bear, DE (68.40) |
| 20 | Bakersfield, CA (68.70) | 20 | Elizabeth, NJ (68.06) | 20 | Frederick, MD (68.39) |
| 21 | Oklahoma City, OK (68.65) | 21 | Providence, RI (67.88) | 21 | Clovis, NM (68.33) |
| 22 | Honolulu, HI (68.43) | 22 | North Las Vegas, NV (67.83) | 22 | New Britain, CT (68.31) |
| 23 | Nashville, TN (68.43) | 23 | Columbus, GA (67.57) | 23 | Santa Fe, NM (68.23) |
| 24 | San Antonio, TX (68.41) | 24 | Worcester, MA (67.44) | 24 | Kahului, HI (68.10) |
| 25 | Corpus Christi, TX (68.25) | 25 | Las Cruces, NM (67.32) | 25 | Hilo, HI (68.07) |
| 26 | Phoenix, AZ (68.24) | 26 | Glendale, AZ (67.28) | 26 | Kenner, LA (68.01) |
| 27 | San Francisco, CA (68.22) | 27 | Hartford, CT (67.26) | 27 | Ewa Gentry, HI (67.68) |
| 28 | Minneapolis, MN (68.08) | 28 | Enterprise, NV (67.26) | 28 | Pawtucket, RI (67.48) |
| 29 | Albuquerque, NM (67.96) | 29 | Waterbury, CT (67.24) | 29 | Roswell, NM (67.46) |
| 30 | Raleigh, NC (67.93) | 30 | High Point, NC (67.22) | 30 | Lancaster, PA (67.41) |
| 31 | Jacksonville, FL (67.67) | 31 | Fort Lauderdale, FL (67.19) | 31 | Trenton, NJ (67.31) |
| 32 | Tampa, FL (67.59) | 32 | Spring Valley, NV (67.16) | 32 | Mount Vernon, NY (67.09) |
| 33 | Tulsa, OK (67.55) | 33 | Montgomery, AL (67.15) | 33 | Grand Island, NE (67.07) |
| 34 | Atlanta, GA (67.25) | 34 | Winston-Salem, NC (67.08) | 34 | Bethlehem, PA (66.91) |
| 35 | Las Vegas, NV (67.14) | 35 | Norfolk, VA (67.03) | 35 | Yakima, WA (66.88) |
| 36 | Aurora, CO (67.11) | 36 | Chandler, AZ (66.98) | 36 | Quincy, MA (66.82) |
| 37 | Philadelphia, PA (67.03) | 37 | Springfield, MA (66.95) | 37 | Brockton, MA (66.79) |
| 38 | Omaha, NE (66.85) | 38 | Little Rock, AR (66.93) | 38 | Rio Rancho, NM (66.78) |
| 39 | Milwaukee, WI (66.78) | 39 | West Valley City, UT (66.76) | 39 | Farmington, NM (66.74) |
| 40 | Kansas City, MO (66.61) | 40 | Greensboro, NC (66.76) | 40 | Lawton, OK (66.54) |
| 41 | Tucson, AZ (66.56) | 41 | Rockford, IL (66.71) | 41 | Kailua, HI (66.51) |
| 42 | Wichita, KS (66.51) | 42 | Bellevue, WA (66.66) | 42 | Roanoke, VA (66.45) |
| 43 | Memphis, TN (66.25) | 43 | Paterson, NJ (66.64) | 43 | Harrisburg, PA (66.39) |
| 44 | Virginia Beach, VA (65.58) | 44 | New Haven, CT (66.61) | 44 | Brookside, DE (66.35) |
| 45 | Seattle, WA (65.57) | 45 | Tempe, AZ (66.59) | 45 | Pearl City, HI (66.34) |
| 46 | Lexington, KY (65.52) | 46 | South Bend, IN (66.56) | 46 | Bloomington, MN (66.34) |
| 47 | Mesa, AZ (65.43) | 47 | Baton Rouge, LA (66.52) | 47 | Hoover, AL (66.26) |
| 48 | Louisville, KY (65.35) | 48 | Cary, NC (66.52) | 48 | Sioux City, IA (66.20) |
| 49 | Indianapolis, IN (65.09) | 49 | Paradise, NV (66.41) | 49 | Rogers, AR (66.19) |
| 50 | Baltimore, MD (65.08) | 50 | Fayetteville, NC (66.40) | 50 | Waipahu, HI (66.18) |
| 51 | New Orleans, LA (65.02) | 51 | Lafayette, LA (66.34) | 51 | Biloxi, MS (66.17) |
| 52 | Columbus, OH (65.02) | 52 | Joliet, IL (66.32) | 52 | Goose Creek, SC (66.14) |
| 53 | El Paso, TX (64.93) | 53 | Grand Rapids, MI (66.27) | 53 | Kaneohe, HI (66.04) |
| 54 | St. Louis, MO (64.27) | 53 | North Charleston, SC (66.27) | 54 | Sumter, SC (65.97) |
| 55 | Miami, FL (64.12) | 55 | Savannah, GA (66.27) | 55 | Fort Smith, AR (65.91) |
| 56 | Portland, OR (64.07) | 56 | Anchorage, AK (66.21) | 56 | Mililani Town, HI (65.85) |
| 57 | Pittsburgh, PA (63.99) | 57 | Sunrise Manor, NV (66.20) | 57 | Midwest City, OK (65.75) |
| 58 | Colorado Springs, CO (63.70) | 58 | Peoria, IL (66.17) | 58 | Bartlett, TN (65.68) |
| 59 | Cleveland, OH (63.55) | 59 | Hampton, VA (66.15) | 59 | Bossier City, LA (65.66) |
| 60 | Detroit, MI (59.35) | 60 | Tallahassee, FL (66.11) | 60 | Ellicott City, MD (65.56) |
| 61 | Columbia, SC (66.07) | 61 | East Honolulu, HI (65.55) | ||
| 62 | Augusta, GA (65.98) | 62 | Lake Charles, LA (65.54) | ||
| 63 | Olathe, KS (65.94) | 63 | Alamogordo, NM (65.54) | ||
| 64 | Salt Lake City, UT (65.93) | 64 | Huron, SD (65.38) | ||
| 65 | Metairie, LA (65.78) | 65 | West Hartford, CT (65.38) | ||
| 66 | Naperville, IL (65.75) | 66 | Passaic, NJ (65.34) | ||
| 67 | Tacoma, WA (65.60) | 67 | Middletown, DE (65.32) | ||
| 68 | Huntsville, AL (65.55) | 68 | Racine, WI (65.30) | ||
| 69 | Clarksville, TN (65.49) | 69 | Edmond, OK (65.23) | ||
| 70 | Overland Park, KS (65.40) | 70 | Gulfport, MS (65.22) | ||
| 71 | Newport News, VA (65.32) | 71 | Rock Hill, SC (65.20) | ||
| 72 | Syracuse, NY (65.31) | 72 | Glen Burnie, MD (65.16) | ||
| 73 | Des Moines, IA (65.22) | 73 | Enid, OK (65.10) | ||
| 74 | Buffalo, NY (65.22) | 74 | New Bedford, MA (65.00) | ||
| 75 | Gresham, OR (65.11) | 75 | Beaverton, OR (64.99) | ||
| 76 | Salem, OR (65.08) | 76 | North Little Rock, AR (64.97) | ||
| 77 | Chattanooga, TN (65.03) | 77 | Lenexa, KS (64.95) | ||
| 78 | Hillsboro, OR (65.02) | 78 | Portsmouth, VA (64.93) | ||
| 79 | Rochester, MN (65.01) | 79 | Summerville, SC (64.85) | ||
| 80 | Fort Wayne, IN (65.00) | 80 | Schenectady, NY (64.84) | ||
| 81 | Broken Arrow, OK (64.97) | 81 | Waldorf, MD (64.80) | ||
| 82 | Charleston, SC (64.94) | 82 | Caldwell, ID (64.78) | ||
| 83 | Cambridge, MA (64.91) | 83 | Reading, PA (64.76) | ||
| 84 | Madison, WI (64.67) | 84 | Woodbury, MN (64.76) | ||
| 85 | Macon, GA (64.65) | 85 | Glasgow, DE (64.74) | ||
| 86 | Springfield, IL (64.65) | 86 | Decatur, AL (64.74) | ||
| 87 | Chesapeake, VA (64.64) | 87 | Wilmington, DE (64.67) | ||
| 88 | Topeka, KS (64.62) | 88 | Cranston, RI (64.64) | ||
| 89 | Henderson, NV (64.61) | 89 | Greenville, SC (64.64) | ||
| 90 | Mobile, AL (64.57) | 90 | Albany, NY (64.60) | ||
| 91 | Peoria, AZ (64.49) | 91 | South Valley, NM (64.56) | ||
| 92 | Rochester, NY (64.46) | 92 | Madison, AL (64.56) | ||
| 93 | Reno, NV (64.43) | 93 | Franklin, TN (64.56) | ||
| 94 | Green Bay, WI (64.28) | 94 | Horn Lake, MS (64.55) | ||
| 95 | Arlington, VA (64.18) | 95 | Shawnee, KS (64.53) | ||
| 96 | St. Petersburg, FL (64.18) | 96 | Plymouth, MN (64.52) | ||
| 97 | Pueblo, CO (64.12) | 97 | Camden, NJ (64.48) | ||
| 98 | Wilmington, NC (64.12) | 98 | Nashua, NH (64.44) | ||
| 99 | Lakewood, CO (64.06) | 99 | Sitka and, AK (64.43) | ||
| 100 | Shreveport, LA (64.05) | 100 | Waukesha, WI (64.42) | ||
| 101 | Cincinnati, OH (63.95) | 101 | Ogden, UT (64.33) | ||
| 102 | Gilbert, AZ (63.93) | 102 | Southaven, MS (64.29) | ||
| 103 | Everett, WA (63.91) | 103 | Smyrna, DE (64.28) | ||
| 104 | Thornton, CO (63.80) | 104 | Columbus, NE (64.25) | ||
| 105 | Sioux Falls, SD (63.78) | 105 | Dover, DE (64.24) | ||
| 106 | Westminster, CO (63.76) | 106 | Bellevue, NE (64.21) | ||
| 107 | Athens, GA (63.60) | 107 | Sparks, NV (64.20) | ||
| 108 | Manchester, NH (63.51) | 107 | Pierre, SD (64.20) | ||
| 109 | Lincoln, NE (63.45) | 109 | Rock Springs, WY (64.17) | ||
| 110 | Cape Coral, FL (63.40) | 110 | Olive Branch, MS (64.16) | ||
| 111 | Norman, OK (63.37) | 111 | Fairbanks, AK (64.13) | ||
| 112 | Surprise, AZ (63.34) | 112 | Alexandria, LA (64.06) | ||
| 113 | Port St. Lucie, FL (63.30) | 113 | Bowling Green, KY (64.03) | ||
| 114 | Fort Collins, CO (63.29) | 114 | Jackson, TN (64.00) | ||
| 115 | Murfreesboro, TN (63.24) | 115 | Taylorsville, UT (63.98) | ||
| 116 | Lansing, MI (63.23) | 116 | Green River, WY (63.97) | ||
| 117 | Boise, ID (63.15) | 117 | Bristol, CT (63.97) | ||
| 118 | Davenport, IA (63.12) | 118 | Dearborn, MI (63.96) | ||
| 119 | Fargo, ND (63.12) | 119 | Waterloo, IA (63.95) | ||
| 120 | Sterling Heights, MI (63.04) | 120 | Union City, NJ (63.93) | ||
| 121 | Knoxville, TN (62.94) | 121 | Woonsocket, RI (63.91) | ||
| 122 | Independence, MO (62.84) | 122 | Pike Creek Valley, DE (63.91) | ||
| 123 | Scottsdale, AZ (62.82) | 123 | Tupelo, MS (63.86) | ||
| 124 | Erie, PA (62.77) | 124 | Central Falls, RI (63.86) | ||
| 125 | Birmingham, AL (62.65) | 125 | Tuscaloosa, AL (63.85) | ||
| 126 | Dayton, OH (62.51) | 126 | Mount Pleasant, SC (63.81) | ||
| 127 | Akron, OH (62.45) | 127 | East Providence, RI (63.78) | ||
| 128 | West Jordan, UT (62.41) | 128 | Bentonville, AR (63.76) | ||
| 129 | Vancouver, WA (62.33) | 129 | Lorain, OH (63.76) | ||
| 130 | Toledo, OH (62.27) | 130 | Newport, RI (63.65) | ||
| 131 | Cedar Rapids, IA (62.13) | 131 | Norfolk, NE (63.64) | ||
| 132 | Warren, MI (62.06) | 132 | Fayetteville, AR (63.54) | ||
| 133 | Columbia, MO (61.82) | 133 | Newark, DE (63.52) | ||
| 134 | Ann Arbor, MI (61.61) | 134 | Twin Falls, ID (63.43) | ||
| 135 | Jackson, MS (61.28) | 135 | Dothan, AL (63.33) | ||
| 136 | Evansville, IN (61.09) | 136 | Scranton, PA (63.22) | ||
| 137 | Arvada, CO (60.97) | 137 | Juneau, AK (63.22) | ||
| 138 | Spokane, WA (60.87) | 138 | Cheyenne, WY (63.22) | ||
| 139 | Centennial, CO (60.82) | 139 | Williston, ND (63.15) | ||
| 140 | Billings, MT (60.55) | 140 | Appleton, WI (63.06) | ||
| 141 | Springfield, MO (59.62) | 141 | College, AK (63.01) | ||
| 142 | Eugene, OR (59.29) | 142 | Lee's Summit, MO (62.95) | ||
| 143 | Laredo, TX (58.75) | 142 | Minot, ND (62.95) | ||
| 144 | Hialeah, FL (56.88) | 144 | Aberdeen, SD (62.93) | ||
| 145 | Provo, UT (54.12) | 145 | Elizabethtown, KY (62.92) | ||
| 146 | Nampa, ID (62.86) | ||||
| 147 | St. Charles, MO (62.84) | ||||
| 148 | Hilton Head Island, SC (62.83) | ||||
| 149 | West Des Moines, IA (62.81) | ||||
| 150 | Auburn, AL (62.79) | ||||
| 151 | Kenosha, WI (62.76) | ||||
| 152 | Salina, KS (62.73) | ||||
| 153 | Hastings, NE (62.70) | ||||
| 154 | Bismarck, ND (62.69) | ||||
| 155 | Maple Grove, MN (62.68) | ||||
| 156 | Fall River, MA (62.67) | ||||
| 157 | Hopkinsville, KY (62.66) | ||||
| 158 | Moore, OK (62.63) | ||||
| 159 | Cicero, IL (62.59) | ||||
| 160 | Kearney, NE (62.51) | ||||
| 161 | Toms River, NJ (62.39) | ||||
| 161 | St. Cloud, MN (62.39) | ||||
| 163 | Carson City, NV (62.39) | ||||
| 164 | Jonesboro, AR (62.37) | ||||
| 165 | Ames, IA (62.34) | ||||
| 166 | Hattiesburg, MS (62.33) | ||||
| 167 | Greenville, NC (62.31) | ||||
| 168 | Youngstown, OH (62.29) | ||||
| 169 | Meridian, MS (62.27) | ||||
| 170 | Grand Forks, ND (62.27) | ||||
| 171 | Yankton, SD (62.21) | ||||
| 172 | Dickinson, ND (62.20) | ||||
| 173 | Florence, KY (62.14) | ||||
| 174 | Conway, AR (62.12) | ||||
| 175 | Fremont, NE (62.06) | ||||
| 176 | Albany, GA (62.06) | ||||
| 177 | Jackson, WY (62.01) | ||||
| 178 | Wahpeton, ND (61.97) | ||||
| 179 | Westland, MI (61.95) | ||||
| 180 | Rapid City, SD (61.93) | ||||
| 181 | Valley Falls, RI (61.92) | ||||
| 182 | Idaho Falls, ID (61.91) | ||||
| 183 | Evanston, WY (61.76) | ||||
| 184 | Parma, OH (61.60) | ||||
| 185 | Brookings, SD (61.56) | ||||
| 186 | Stillwater, OK (61.54) | ||||
| 187 | West Fargo, ND (61.53) | ||||
| 188 | Iowa City, IA (61.49) | ||||
| 189 | Monroe, LA (61.46) | ||||
| 190 | Winooski, VT (61.35) | ||||
| 191 | Fishers, IN (61.33) | ||||
| 192 | O'Fallon, MO (61.28) | ||||
| 193 | Mitchell, SD (61.28) | ||||
| 194 | Carmel, IN (61.27) | ||||
| 195 | South Burlington, VT (61.23) | ||||
| 196 | Covington, KY (61.21) | ||||
| 197 | Hockessin, DE (61.20) | ||||
| 198 | Pocatello, ID (61.20) | ||||
| 199 | St. Joseph, MO (61.13) | ||||
| 200 | Johnson City, TN (61.07) | ||||
| 201 | Manhattan, KS (61.06) | ||||
| 202 | Cheektowaga, NY (61.05) | ||||
| 203 | North Platte, NE (61.05) | ||||
| 204 | Owensboro, KY (61.04) | ||||
| 205 | St. Peters, MO (61.00) | ||||
| 206 | Meridian, ID (60.96) | ||||
| 207 | Lawrence, KS (60.88) | ||||
| 208 | Gary, IN (60.84) | ||||
| 209 | Sandy, UT (60.83) | ||||
| 210 | Pine Bluff, AR (60.80) | ||||
| 211 | Burlington, VT (60.74) | ||||
| 212 | Jamestown, ND (60.71) | ||||
| 213 | Casper, WY (60.67) | ||||
| 214 | Essex Junction, VT (60.66) | ||||
| 215 | Portsmouth, NH (60.64) | ||||
| 215 | Riverton, WY (60.64) | ||||
| 217 | Canton, OH (60.64) | ||||
| 218 | Eau Claire, WI (60.61) | ||||
| 219 | Charleston, WV (60.59) | ||||
| 220 | Sheridan, WY (60.59) | ||||
| 221 | Wasilla, AK (60.57) | ||||
| 222 | Watertown, SD (60.54) | ||||
| 223 | Greenville, MS (60.51) | ||||
| 224 | Warwick, RI (60.42) | ||||
| 225 | Council Bluffs, IA (60.37) | ||||
| 226 | Laramie, WY (60.37) | ||||
| 227 | Mandan, ND (60.31) | ||||
| 228 | Wheeling, WV (60.30) | ||||
| 229 | Martinsburg, WV (60.25) | ||||
| 230 | Livonia, MI (60.22) | ||||
| 231 | Medford, OR (60.12) | ||||
| 232 | Coeur d'Alene, ID (60.05) | ||||
| 233 | Westerly, RI (60.03) | ||||
| 234 | Janesville, WI (60.03) | ||||
| 235 | Badger, AK (59.89) | ||||
| 236 | Helena, MT (59.80) | ||||
| 237 | Lafayette, IN (59.79) | ||||
| 238 | Portland, ME (59.79) | ||||
| 239 | Duluth, MN (59.67) | ||||
| 240 | Georgetown, KY (59.65) | ||||
| 241 | Corvallis, OR (59.63) | ||||
| 242 | Levittown, PA (59.61) | ||||
| 243 | Gillette, WY (59.61) | ||||
| 243 | Tanaina, AK (59.61) | ||||
| 245 | Oshkosh, WI (59.60) | ||||
| 246 | Knik-Fairview, AK (59.53) | ||||
| 247 | Great Falls, MT (59.45) | ||||
| 248 | Post Falls, ID (59.40) | ||||
| 249 | Havre, MT (59.21) | ||||
| 250 | Dubuque, IA (59.20) | ||||
| 251 | Concord, NH (59.15) | ||||
| 252 | Spearfish, SD (59.08) | ||||
| 253 | Weirton, WV (59.03) | ||||
| 254 | Fairmont, WV (59.00) | ||||
| 255 | Clarksburg, WV (58.97) | ||||
| 256 | Montpelier, VT (58.96) | ||||
| 257 | Lakes, AK (58.88) | ||||
| 258 | St. George, UT (58.83) | ||||
| 259 | Beckley, WV (58.80) | ||||
| 260 | Flint, MI (58.78) | ||||
| 261 | Miles City, MT (58.76) | ||||
| 262 | Bozeman, MT (58.59) | ||||
| 263 | Dover, NH (58.47) | ||||
| 264 | Lewiston, ME (58.38) | ||||
| 265 | Butte-Silver Bow, MT (58.34) | ||||
| 266 | Derry, NH (58.27) | ||||
| 267 | Layton, UT (58.26) | ||||
| 268 | Bloomington, IN (58.25) | ||||
| 269 | Bend, OR (58.24) | ||||
| 270 | Anaconda, MT (57.89) | ||||
| 271 | Auburn, ME (57.88) | ||||
| 272 | Saco, ME (57.81) | ||||
| 273 | Middlebury, VT (57.77) | ||||
| 274 | Missoula, MT (57.77) | ||||
| 275 | Springfield, OR (57.75) | ||||
| 276 | Biddeford, ME (57.72) | ||||
| 277 | Brattleboro, VT (57.63) | ||||
| 278 | South Portland, ME (57.62) | ||||
| 279 | Rutland, VT (57.39) | ||||
| 280 | Richmond, KY (57.38) | ||||
| 281 | Lebanon, NH (57.30) | ||||
| 282 | Westbrook, ME (57.25) | ||||
| 283 | Bennington, VT (57.12) | ||||
| 284 | Augusta, ME (56.92) | ||||
| 285 | Parkersburg, WV (56.90) | ||||
| 286 | Sanford, ME (56.86) | ||||
| 287 | Laconia, NH (56.73) | ||||
| 288 | Huntington, WV (56.58) | ||||
| 289 | Morgantown, WV (56.39) | ||||
| 290 | Lewiston, ID (56.33) | ||||
| 291 | Kalispell, MT (56.11) | ||||
| 292 | Barre, VT (56.10) | ||||
| 293 | Keene, NH (55.89) | ||||
| 294 | Rochester, NH (55.66) | ||||
| 295 | Orem, UT (55.38) | ||||
| 296 | Bangor, ME (54.03) |
Many local economies use their diverse demographics to their advantage, mirroring the country’s economic success as a whole. But diversity also has its drawbacks. For insight into the advantages and disadvantages of diversity as well as advice on how to channel different demographic characteristics toward economic growth, we asked a panel of experts to share their thoughts on the following key questions:
- What are the pros and cons of living and working in a diverse city?
- Is there a relationship between diversity and economic growth in cities?
- What can local policy makers do to harness the diversity in their cities to spur innovation?
- Which types of diversity are good or bad for cities?
Hilary Green Assistant Professor of History in the Department of Gender and Race Studies at the University of Alabama
Sheri L. Parks Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore
Chiquita Howard-Bostic Chair of the Department of Sociology and Geography and Associate Professor of Sociology at Shepherd University
What are the pros and cons of living and working in a diverse city?
Job opportunities, as large corporations are willing to establish offices/factories/etc. that offer opportunities for those at entry level, to middle management and upper management. Second, there is increased quality of life through schools, jobs, green spaces, and cultural events. As someone with a B.A., M.A. and a PhD, diverse cities allow me to find both people and activities that are suitable and not limited to a few. No cons, except if the city structure does not embrace the diversity of its populace and providing services and housing for all.
Is there a relationship between diversity and economic growth in cities?
Yes. Multinational businesses will not move or invest in communities that do not share their corporate values and allow their diverse employees to have a high quality of life outside of work. Tax breaks can only go so far.
What can local policy makers do to harness the diversity in their cities to spur innovation?
I recommend several things. First, they should have listening sessions and forums with their constituents. Community stakeholders should be involved in the decisions. Second, policymakers need to improve the public schools. They also need to establish strategic partnerships with vocational, community colleges and colleges to develop a sustainable diverse workforce committed to remaining in their community. This will make their city more attractive to corporations. Third, they need to improve the infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, green spaces) but also the "curb appeal." Abandoned buildings, trash on the streets, lack of street lights, and blight represent stagnation and not places of innovation and future progress.
Which types of diversity are good or bad for cities?
Diversity exists in terms of age, gender, race, class, educational attainment, and sexuality. I think that the bad diversity would be when it is viewed as something to import in, i.e., migration of so-called "model" diverse populations, or that there are good and bad identity groups. This leads to bad policies, negative perceptions, oppositional identity politics, and other social problems that have a long history in the country.
Sheri L. Parks Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore
What are the pros and cons of living and working in a diverse city?
Diversity is a key ingredient to urban vibrancy -- the movement that is an essential part of the continual growth and change that is the lifeblood of city. Diversity of bodies brings diversity of cultures. There is a type of hybrid vigor to cities -- a variety of approaches helps communities by providing a variety of attitudes, solutions and ways of being. When we dig into the textures of daily urban life, you see the differences being quickly absorbed into the mix. That is innovation. The cons are that there are also inevitable conflicts. We carry our cultures deeply, often as assumptions, and it can be confusing to be confronted with something different -- different language or dress or family patterns. The conflicts have been and still are very ugly. Those conflicts are often smoothed over time -- but that time can take generations. Black music was once seen as degraded but now makes up the basis of many types of American music. Amidst the angry conversations about LatinX population growth, salsa is the most popular condiment. Sexual and gender minorities, who were largely hidden a generation ago, are now supported by a majority of the population but they have always been important participants in many industries, best known in art, style, food and entertainment.
Is there a relationship between diversity and economic growth in cities?
Historically, racial and ethnic diversity has been tied to economic growth, as people moved from monolithic communities to work in industrial places in the city. The movement from agrarian society to urban mechanical work required people to live and work more closely with those who were different from them. Diversity drives innovation, as waves of immigration and internal migration have brought new ideas and new methods into the main economy. In another sense, creatives who also drive economic growth have been shown to prefer diverse cities, since diversity of people also helps to drive diversity of food, music and other style cultures. As a variety of citizens begin to demand equity, they also demand a diversity of products and services. For instance, innovations that begin to remove the constructed obstacles for people with disabilities challenge our old assumptions and lead to greater creativity.
What can local policy makers do to harness the diversity in their cities to spur innovation?
Innovation happens when people see access to opportunity. Good policy gives voice to and reflects diverse voices that are critical for innovation. Good policy promotes equity, creating respectful spaces for diverse voices to enter the public sphere. Equity is not the same thing as one size fits all. Good policy also allows diverse communities similar access to opportunities, but how those opportunities are delivered may not be the same. Language is an obvious example but not the only one. For instance, good policy allows dignity in the workplace. As the majority of women are in the workplace, they require services such as clean and private places to nurse or pump milk. In another example, some businesses have spent an inordinate amount of time and attention prohibiting hairstyles that are related to race and cultural difference. That could easily be a policy issue since it impacts personal liberties and may be related to cultural or religious practice.
Which types of diversity are good or bad for cities?
Extreme economic inequity is not good for cities. In those agrarian villages when there was not much economic diversity, one may not have known they were poor. In a city, more affluent classes are visible and one may resent what one does not have. Diversity that comes with different types of joy -- art, music, food, literature -- are excellent for cities. While that certainly includes racial and ethnic diversity, other types of diversity also bring different types of joy -- different humor, different dress and foodways are all good for cities.
Chiquita Howard-Bostic Chair of the Department of Sociology and Geography and Associate Professor of Sociology at Shepherd University
What are the pros and cons of living and working in a diverse city?
Diverse cities offer grand opportunities for innovation. The myriad of cultures and perspectives open the door for new ways to think about the world and ways to react and respond to others. What I enjoyed most about living in a diverse city 15 years ago were the opportunities for me to become more open-minded, and perhaps a more wise member of society. When all we have are the traditional views within our own cultures (in lesser diverse cities), our views using one dominant lens is one that can miss out on some of the most beautiful scenery. I tell my sociology students to walk outside today down the same path you maneuvered yesterday. During the second walk, they should glance at everything they can to notice as much as they can. The first walk is so less dynamic because in the moment, we see only what our culture and immediate mission allows us to see. By living in a diverse city, there is more to see and also more to not notice. If one actually embraces and respects difference, they can have so many new and innovative experiences.
On the other hand, viewing and understanding diversity in a more negative light or punishing people who are different can impact the quality of the diverse experience. If we allow poor historical definitions of other individuals to drive how we initially interpret them, we may repeat history and turn a diverse city into one that is both oppressed and doomed by privilege and disrespect. To have a quality experience, both the intentions and interactions should entail a quality effort to make relationships work. Energy sharing and relationship seeking has to be meaningful and intentional. Progress cannot happen while doing nothing to help situations move forward.
Is there a relationship between diversity and economic growth in cities?
Yes, the relationship exists. Unfortunately, there are conscious and unconscious role expectations for specific groups that align with institutional rules. The related outcomes project one version of this concrete relationship. However, the mobility options that connect directly with educational attainment reflect a new relationship between economic growth and diversity. If there is access to quality education, coupled with respectful engagement of ideas and cultures, there can be a more optimal outlook for a positive relationship between diversity and economic growth. However, jobs on the bottom should not be the only positions reserved for ethnic minorities. There has to be a space for all whom are educated and prepared to be mobile.
What can local policy makers do to harness the diversity in their cities to spur innovation?
Innovation begins with quality access to knowledge. Knowledge can bridge communities and build relationships. Great ideas can come from anyone. Voices are still silenced, meaning certain individuals are allowed to speak but their views are not incorporated into the plan. We need to learn to listen respectfully. Then, we must work together to interpret the findings. Although this process takes time, it is best to walk through the challenges and to get it right the first time.
Which types of diversity are good or bad for cities?
Forced assimilation is very unhealthy for any community. When one expects another person to merge their cultural identity and divorce their own, there are a series of psychological and emotional challenges that follow. Integrated identities can merge through healthy dialogue. However, the pace for progress cannot be predetermined. Everyone is different and difference can be beautiful as opposed to being viewed as being problematic. It takes time for strongly distinct personalities and cultures to co-exist. Perhaps forcing the assimilation with an economic goal in mind may be detrimental to economic growth.
MethodologyIn order to determine the most diverse cities in America, WalletHub compared 501 of the most populated cities — limiting each state to no more than 10 cities each — across five key dimensions: 1) Socioeconomic Diversity, 2) Cultural Diversity, 3) Economic Diversity, 4) Household Diversity and 5) Religious Diversity.
We conducted our analysis using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index method, which is a commonly accepted measure of market concentration that also works effectively as a general-purpose measure of diversity (e.g., race/ethnicity, occupations, languages, nationalities).
Our sample considers only the city proper in each case and excludes cities in the surrounding metro area. Each city was categorized according to the following population-size guidelines:
- Large cities: More than 300,000 residents
- Middsize cities: 100,000 to 300,000 residents
- Small cities: Fewer than 100,000 residents
We then evaluated the five dimensions using 13 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights and subcomponents. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most diversity.
Lastly, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.
- Socioeconomic Diversity - Total Points: 20
- Household-Income Diversity: Weight = Double Weight (~13.30 Points)
- $34,999 or Less
- $35,000 - $49,999
- $50,000 - $74,999
- $75,000 - $99,999
- $100,000 - $149,999
- $150,000 or more
- Educational-Attainment Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~6.70 Points)
- Without a high school diploma
- High school diploma and perhaps some college experience or an associate’s degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Graduate or professional degree
- Household-Income Diversity: Weight = Double Weight (~13.30 Points)
- Cultural Diversity - Total Points: 20
- Racial & Ethnic Diversity: Weight = Triple Weight (~10.00 Points)
- Hispanic or Latino
- White (not Hispanic or Latino)
- Black or African American (not Hispanic or Latino)
- Asian (not Hispanic or Latino)
- All others (American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, some other race alone, two or more races and not Hispanic or Latino)
- Linguistic Diversity: Weight = Double Weight (~6.70 Points)
- English
- Spanish
- Other Indo-European languages
- Asian and Pacific Islander languages
- Other languages
- Birthplace Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~3.30 Points)
- In State of Residence
- Northeast Region
- Midwest Region
- South Region
- West Region
- U.S. Territory & Abroad (if born to American parent(s))
- Foreign Nation
- Racial & Ethnic Diversity: Weight = Triple Weight (~10.00 Points)
- Economic Diversity - Total Points: 20
- Industry Diversity: Weight = Triple Weight (~12.00 Points)Note: Considers the civilian employed population aged 16 and older
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
- Retail Trade
- Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities
- Information
- Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
- Professional, Scientific, and Management, and Administrative and Waste-Management Services
- Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, and Accommodation and Food Services
- Other Services (excluding Public Administration)
- Public Administration
- Occupational Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~4.00 Points)Note: Considers the civilian employed population aged 16 and older
- Management, Business, Science, and Arts Occupations
- Service Occupations
- Sales and Office Occupations
- Natural-Resources, Construction, and Maintenance Occupations
- Production, Transportation, and Material Moving Occupations
- Worker-Class Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~4.00 Points)Note: Considers the civilian employed population aged 16 and older
- Private Wage and Salary Workers
- Government Workers
- Self-Employed Workers (operating their own, unincorporated businesses)Note: Includes “people who worked for profit or fees in their own unincorporated business, professional practice, or trade or who operated a farm,” according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Unpaid Family Workers
- Industry Diversity: Weight = Triple Weight (~12.00 Points)Note: Considers the civilian employed population aged 16 and older
- Household Diversity - Total Points: 20
- Marital-Status Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Never Married
- Married (excluding separated couples)
- Divorced
- Separated
- Widowed
- Age Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Aged 19 and younger
- Aged 20-24
- Aged 25-34
- Aged 35-44
- Aged 45-54
- Aged 55-64
- Aged 65 and older
- Household-Type Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Family households with married couples
- Male-headed family households (no spouse present)
- Female-headed family households (no spouse present)
- Nonfamily households
- Household Size Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Two-person family households
- Three-person family households
- Four-person family households
- Five-person family households
- Six-person family households
- Seven-person or more family households
- One-person nonfamily households
- Two-person nonfamily households
- Three-person nonfamily households
- Four-person nonfamily households
- Five-person nonfamily households
- Six-person nonfamily households
- Seven-person or more nonfamily households
- Marital-Status Diversity: Weight = Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Religious Diversity - Total Points: 20
- Evangelical Protestant
- Mainline Protestant
- Black Protestant
- Catholic
- Orthodox Christian
- Jewish
- Muslim
- Buddhist
- Hindu
- Unaffiliated
- Other Religions
Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau and ARDA.
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