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Demographic and Economic Analysis of North Town Fork Creek: A Predominantly African American Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Town Fork Creek, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." As of 2022, African Americans constitute 90% of the population, exceeding the threshold for a racial majority. The neighborhood has experienced moderate economic growth over the past decade, with the median income increasing from $21,925 in 2013 to $31,555 in 2022. This area holds historical significance in Kansas City's African American community, with origins dating back to the Great Migration of the early 20th century.
North Town Fork Creek has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood from 2013 to 2022. The neighborhood reached peak homogeneity in 2020-2021, with the Black population comprising 94% of residents. By 2022, there was a minor shift towards increased diversity, with the Black population decreasing to 90% and the White population increasing to 6%. A small Hispanic population emerged around 2015 (2%) and has remained relatively stable.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory shows a general upward trend. Median income increased by approximately 44% from 2013 to 2022. Despite the overall upward trend, there were periods of economic volatility. There was a significant increase in median income from 2016 to 2017, followed by a decline in 2019 and 2021. The most recent data shows a substantial increase in median income from 2021 to 2022, coinciding with a slight increase in racial diversity.
North Town Fork Creek's slight trend towards increased diversity mirrors broader national patterns of neighborhood change in urban areas. However, the pace of change is slower compared to many other U.S. cities experiencing rapid gentrification or demographic shifts. The neighborhood's economic growth, while positive, still leaves it below the national median household income. This indicates that while progress has been made, there remains a significant economic gap compared to national averages.
The stability of the neighborhood's racial composition over the past decade is notable, especially in an era where many historically Black neighborhoods in major cities are experiencing rapid demographic changes due to gentrification. This stability may indicate strong community ties and cultural preservation efforts in North Town Fork Creek.
North Town Fork Creek has maintained its status as a Black Majority neighborhood with relatively low diversity. Subtle shifts in demographics and more pronounced economic improvements suggest a community in slow transition. The challenge moving forward will be to foster economic growth and potentially welcome increased diversity while preserving the cultural heritage and community bonds that define this historic Kansas City neighborhood.
