| Statistic | West Plains | Missouri | National |
| Population | 12,290 | 6,137,428 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 924 | 90 | 91 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 38.3 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 53% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 47% | 42% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 94% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 3% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of West Plains is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The West Plains population is 12,290, with a population density of 924 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 34.2, and 53% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 47% have children under 18. As far as income equality in West Plains, 32% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 7% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
Recognizing the racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown of West Plains is pivotal for addressing systemic inequities, championing social justice and inclusion and fostering resilient communities. In West Plains, the racial breakdown comprises 97.4% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 1.2% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of households reported speaking English only, while 1.4% reported speaking Spanish only. Furthermore, 0.6% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
West Plains could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The West Plains population density is 924, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
Understanding Populations: By reporting and analyzing West Plains demographics, we can acquire valuable insights into the makeup and traits of populations, encompassing age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and various socio-economic factors. This comprehension is vital for tackling the varied needs, preferences, and obstacles encountered by different demographic groups within communities. Demographics serve a pivotal role in comprehending populations, guiding decision-making processes and advancing equity, inclusion and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The West Plains population data serves as a cornerstone for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also fostering the well-being and strength of communities.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of West Plains demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in West Plains can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
Healthcare Planning: An analysis of West Plains demographics can inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Understanding demographic trends allows healthcare providers and policymakers to allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities. Leveraging demographic data, healthcare providers, and policymakers strive to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and customized healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
| Race | West Plains | Missouri | National |
| White | 97.36% | 82.53% | 73.35% |
| Black | 0.44% | 11.58% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.19% | 1.78% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.43% | 0.42% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.11% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.58% | 2.44% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.00% | 1.13% | 4.75% |
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