Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Rolling Meadows: A Predominantly African American Neighborhood in Midwest City, Oklahoma
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Rolling Meadows, a neighborhood in Midwest City, Oklahoma, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,295 with a median income of $17,762. Rolling Meadows has maintained a consistent racial composition over the past decade, with African Americans forming the majority of the population. This stability in racial demographics contrasts with increasing diversity in many urban areas across the United States.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), Rolling Meadows has consistently fallen under the "Black Majority" category, with the African American population comprising over 50% of residents each year. The percentage of Black residents has increased from 55% in 2013 to 72% in 2022, further solidifying this majority status. This trend suggests a strengthening of the neighborhood's identity as a predominantly African American community.
The White population, while remaining the second-largest group, has decreased from 29% in 2013 to 25% in 2022. Other racial groups, including Hispanics, Native Americans, and those identifying as two or more races, have maintained minimal representation, generally below 10% each throughout the decade.
The median income in Rolling Meadows has fluctuated significantly over the years, showing no clear upward or downward trend. The highest recorded median income was $28,332 in 2021, while the lowest was $17,762 in 2022. This recent sharp decline in median income may indicate economic challenges facing the community.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 1,100 and 1,500 residents over the decade. This stability in population, combined with the strengthening Black majority, suggests a community with strong ties and potentially limited in-migration or out-migration.
The demographic stability of Rolling Meadows contrasts with national trends, where many urban areas have experienced increasing diversity over the past decade. The neighborhood's consistent Black majority and minimal representation of other racial groups suggest it may be somewhat isolated from broader demographic shifts occurring in many American cities.
The median income in Rolling Meadows is significantly lower than the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2021. This disparity highlights potential economic challenges facing the community and may indicate limited access to economic opportunities or systemic barriers to wealth accumulation.
The recent sharp decline in median income from 2021 to 2022 is particularly noteworthy. This drop may be related to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected many minority communities across the United States. Further investigation into local economic conditions and job markets would be necessary to fully understand the causes and implications of this income decline.
Rolling Meadows presents a picture of a stable, predominantly African American community that has faced significant economic challenges in recent years. The neighborhood's demographic consistency amidst broader national trends of increasing diversity suggests strong community ties, but also potentially limited economic mobility or integration with surrounding areas. Addressing the recent sharp decline in median income and fostering economic development opportunities may be crucial for the future well-being of this community.
