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Demographic Analysis of Swope Parkway - Elmwood: Persistent African American Majority and Recent Income Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Swope Parkway - Elmwood neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority". As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 85% Black. The median income in 2022 was $41,665. The area is located near Swope Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
From 2013 to 2022, Swope Parkway - Elmwood maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" area with a "Black Majority". The Black population remained above 80% throughout this period, with a peak exceeding 90% from 2015 to 2019. The Hispanic population ranged from 1% to 12%, showing some variability. The White population remained between 3-6% throughout the decade.
The neighborhood's median income fluctuated significantly over the decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general downward trend, with the median income dropping from $28,155 to $22,886. However, since 2020, there has been a notable increase, with the median income rising to $41,665 in 2022.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between approximately 2,300 and 2,700 residents. The stability in population alongside the recent income growth might indicate improving economic conditions for existing residents rather than significant demographic turnover.
The persistent "Low Diversity" and "Black Majority" status of Swope Parkway - Elmwood is notable in the context of increasing diversity in many urban areas across the United States. The recent uptick in median income is a positive sign, outpacing inflation. However, the neighborhood's median income remains below the national average, which was around $70,000 in 2022.
The stability of the Black majority in this neighborhood, despite some increase in Hispanic population, could be indicative of historical patterns of racial segregation in American cities. The recent economic improvements, if sustained, could potentially lead to greater community investment and development, which might attract a more diverse population in the future. This would need to be balanced against the risk of gentrification and displacement of long-term residents.
In conclusion, while Swope Parkway - Elmwood has maintained its status as a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood over the past decade, recent economic improvements and slight increases in Hispanic population suggest the potential for gradual change. The community's ability to leverage these positive economic trends while maintaining its cultural identity will be crucial in shaping its future development.
