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Demographic Analysis of Unity Ridge: 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
Unity Ridge, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibits characteristics of a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 66% of residents, while other racial groups, particularly Black (20%) and Hispanic (5%) populations, contribute to a diverse mix. Unity Ridge has experienced significant population growth over the past decade, nearly doubling from 663 residents in 2010 to 1,104 in 2022. This growth, coupled with its relatively high median income of $96,215 in 2022, suggests that Unity Ridge is an attractive, developing area within Kansas City.
Unity Ridge has maintained its status as a "White Majority" community throughout the observed period, but with notable fluctuations. The white population percentage has ranged from a low of 60% in 2016 to a high of 73% in 2021. Despite these variations, the neighborhood has consistently fallen under the "White Majority" category. There are signs of increasing diversity. The Black population, while fluctuating, has maintained a significant presence, peaking at 34% in 2015 before settling at 20% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown steady growth from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. Additionally, the "Two or More Races" category has increased from 1% to 7% over the same period, indicating a trend towards a more diverse community.
These shifts suggest that Unity Ridge may be transitioning towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, as multiple racial groups gain significant representation. If current trends continue, particularly the growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations, the neighborhood could potentially evolve into a "High Diversity" area in the coming years.
The median income in Unity Ridge has fluctuated significantly over the years. It peaked at $136,030 in 2019 before experiencing a sharp decline to $95,928 in 2020, likely due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this recent decline, the median income in 2022 ($96,215) remains relatively high, suggesting that Unity Ridge continues to attract affluent residents. The periods of highest income (2018-2019) coincided with a slight increase in diversity, particularly growth in the Hispanic population. This could indicate that the neighborhood's increasing diversity is associated with economic prosperity rather than decline.
The population growth from 663 in 2010 to 1,104 in 2022 suggests that Unity Ridge is an attractive area for new residents. This growth has occurred alongside the gradual diversification of the community, indicating that the neighborhood's appeal spans across different racial groups.
The demographic shifts in Unity Ridge reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have seen growth in minority populations over the past decade, particularly among Hispanic and Asian communities. However, Unity Ridge's persistent "White Majority" status suggests that this diversification is occurring more slowly than in some other suburban areas across the country.
The neighborhood's economic resilience, maintaining a high median income even after the pandemic-related decline, is notable. This economic stability amid increasing diversity counters some national narratives that associate increasing diversity with economic challenges in suburban areas.
Unity Ridge presents a picture of a gradually diversifying, economically stable suburban neighborhood. While it remains predominantly white, the increasing representation of other racial groups suggests a community in transition. The correlation between periods of high income and increasing diversity is particularly noteworthy, potentially indicating that Unity Ridge's economic strength is intertwined with its growing multiculturalism.
