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Demographic and Economic Transitions in Old Westport: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Old Westport, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, has characteristics of a White Majority community with a median income of $39,121 as of 2022. The neighborhood has shown signs of being a Transitional Community over the past decade, with fluctuations in racial composition and economic indicators. Old Westport is known for its nightlife and entertainment district, which may influence its demographic and economic dynamics.
From 2013 to 2019, Old Westport maintained a White Majority status, with the white population ranging from 68% to 86%. The period from 2020 to 2022 shows signs of transition. The white population decreased from 83% in 2019 to 66% in 2022, while the black population increased from 4% to 23% in the same period. This shift suggests a trend towards increased diversity. By 2022, the neighborhood could be categorized as having Moderate Diversity, with white (66%) and black (23%) populations both having significant representation.
The median income in Old Westport has shown fluctuation over the past decade. The median income rose from $30,549 in 2013 to a peak of $51,120 in 2019, before declining to $39,121 in 2022. This volatility might be related to the demographic shifts observed. The population has also varied, ranging from a low of 963 in 2016 to a high of 1,405 in 2020. The recent increase in population coincides with the transition towards greater diversity.
The period of highest median income (2019-2021) aligns with a time of relatively stable White Majority status. The recent decline in median income corresponds with the shift towards Moderate Diversity, suggesting a potential relationship between demographic changes and economic conditions.
The trends in Old Westport reflect broader national patterns. Many urban neighborhoods across the United States have experienced increased racial diversity over the past decade, similar to Old Westport's recent trend. The fluctuations in median income, particularly the recent decline, may reflect wider issues of income inequality and economic challenges faced by diversifying urban areas. The earlier increase in median income followed by demographic shifts could indicate gentrification processes, which are common in urban entertainment districts like Old Westport.
Old Westport appears to be undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving from a stable White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. This shift has been accompanied by economic fluctuations, suggesting a complex interplay between racial composition, income levels, and possibly local economic factors related to its status as an entertainment district. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader urban trends of increasing diversity and economic challenges, making it a microcosm of larger demographic and economic shifts occurring in many American cities.
