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Demographic Analysis of Rhapsody/Willow Wind: A White Majority Neighborhood with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Rhapsody/Willow Wind neighborhood in Midwest City, Oklahoma, exhibits a White Majority demographic profile with moderate diversity. In 2022, the white population comprises 69% of the community, with Hispanic and Black residents representing 14% and 10% respectively. The neighborhood has experienced economic challenges, with the median income decreasing from $61,586 in 2015 to $38,278 in 2022, indicating potential socioeconomic changes affecting the area's demographic composition.
Over the past decade, the Rhapsody/Willow Wind neighborhood has maintained its White Majority status, but with fluctuations. In 2013, the area showed low diversity with a 76% white population. By 2016, it transitioned to a Moderate Diversity status, with the white population decreasing to 60% and the Black population increasing to 25%. The community later reverted to a White Majority status, albeit with a more diverse composition than at the beginning of the decade.
The Hispanic population has shown a steady increase, from 3% in 2013 to 14% in 2022, suggesting a Transitional Community aspect. The growth in the Hispanic population and the maintenance of a significant Black population have contributed to a more diverse community profile over time, even as it remains White Majority.
The neighborhood has experienced a downward trend in median income. From a peak of $65,393 in 2014, the median income has declined to $38,278 in 2022, a decrease of over 41%. This economic downturn coincides with demographic shifts, particularly the increase in minority populations.
The population has grown from 2,092 in 2010 to 2,629 in 2022, an increase of about 25%. This population growth, coupled with declining incomes, suggests potential changes in housing affordability or job market shifts that may be attracting new residents but at lower income levels.
The demographic shifts in Rhapsody/Willow Wind reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population aligns with national patterns of Hispanic population growth and dispersion beyond traditional urban centers.
The sharp decline in median income is more pronounced than national averages. The continuous decline seen in this neighborhood suggests local factors may be at play, such as changes in major employers or shifts in the regional economy.
The combination of increasing diversity and declining incomes may indicate a transition in the neighborhood's socioeconomic character. This could be leading to changes in local businesses, community services, and potentially in housing stock to accommodate new demographic groups at different income levels.
The Rhapsody/Willow Wind neighborhood exemplifies a community in transition, balancing increasing racial diversity with significant economic challenges. These trends suggest a need for targeted economic development strategies and community support services to address the changing needs of a more diverse but economically stressed population.
