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Demographic and Economic Trends in Highland Plains: A Predominantly White Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Highland Plains, a neighborhood in Overland Park, Kansas, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" (82% in 2022). The area has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income increasing from $65,806 in 2013 to $103,193 in 2022. This neighborhood is characterized by its suburban nature and proximity to high-tech job centers in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Highland Plains has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community from 2013 to 2022. The white population has remained the dominant racial group, with percentages ranging from 75% to 94%. However, recent years show signs of a gradual shift towards slightly increased diversity.
From 2013 to 2020, the neighborhood was categorized as having "Low Diversity" with an extremely strong "White Majority," often exceeding 80% of the population. During this period, there was minimal representation from other racial groups.
A change occurred in 2021-2022, with the emergence of other racial groups, particularly Asian (4-5%), Black (2%), and those identifying as two or more races (10%). While still maintaining a "White Majority" and "Low Diversity" classification, this shift suggests the neighborhood may be in the early stages of becoming a "Transitional Community."
The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes in Highland Plains. The median income has increased, particularly from 2019 to 2022. This period coincides with the introduction of more diverse racial representation in the neighborhood. From 2013-2019, the median income was relatively stable ($65,806 to $87,342). From 2020-2022, there was a sharp increase in median income ($101,851 to $103,193). This economic growth may have attracted a more diverse population to the area, potentially due to new job opportunities or improved amenities.
Population figures have fluctuated over the years, with no clear long-term trend. This suggests that the neighborhood's carrying capacity may be relatively stable, with changes in racial composition occurring through resident turnover rather than significant new development.
The gradual diversification of Highland Plains aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many traditionally homogeneous suburbs across the United States have experienced similar patterns of slow but steady diversification over the past decade.
The sharp increase in median income from 2019 to 2022 is notable and may exceed national averages for income growth during this period. This could indicate that Highland Plains is becoming an increasingly desirable and affluent suburb within the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The neighborhood's evolution suggests it may be in the early stages of a transition that many suburban communities across the country have undergone. If current trends continue, Highland Plains could potentially move towards "Moderate Diversity" in the coming years, although this would require a significant acceleration of current diversification rates.
Highland Plains remains a predominantly white, low-diversity neighborhood. Recent years have shown early signs of increased racial diversity coinciding with strong economic growth. This subtle shift may indicate the beginning of a longer-term trend towards a more diverse and economically robust community, reflecting broader national patterns of suburban demographic change.
