Clarksburg, West Virginia, has been identified as the least diverse city in the United States, according to a study focusing on ethnic diversity.
Identifying the Least Diverse City
A study that analyzed various cities across the U.S. for their ethnic diversity scores placed Clarksburg, West Virginia, at the bottom of its ranking. This designation means that, based on the study's methodology, Clarksburg exhibits the lowest level of ethnic diversity among the cities surveyed. The city received an ethnic diversity score of 15.34, indicating a population that is less varied in terms of ethnic backgrounds compared to other American cities.
Understanding Ethnic Diversity Scores
Ethnic diversity scores are typically calculated based on the distribution of different ethnic and racial groups within a given population. A lower score suggests that a significant majority of the population belongs to a single ethnic or racial group, with fewer representatives from other groups. Conversely, a higher score would indicate a more even distribution across multiple ethnic backgrounds, reflecting a richer blend of cultures and communities.
West Virginia Cities with Low Diversity
Several cities in West Virginia were noted for their lower ethnic diversity scores in the same study. This suggests a broader regional trend of less ethnic variation compared to other parts of the country. The table below highlights these cities and their respective diversity scores and ranks:
| Overall U.S. Rank | City | Ethnic Diversity Score |
|---|---|---|
| #274 | Fairmont, WV | 20.18 |
| #278 | Wheeling, WV | 19.71 |
| #284 | Parkersburg, WV | 15.92 |
| #285 | Clarksburg, WV | 15.34 |
As illustrated, Clarksburg's score of 15.34 marks it as the city with the lowest ethnic diversity among those ranked in this specific analysis, positioning it as the least diverse city in the U.S. by this measure.
