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Demographic and Economic Trends in Roanoke: A White Majority Neighborhood in Kansas City
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Roanoke, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, is characterized by Low Diversity with a White Majority population of 87% in 2022. The area has experienced economic growth, with median income increasing from $57,548 in 2019 to $85,697 in 2022. The neighborhood features historic charm with tree-lined streets and early 20th-century homes.
Over the past decade, Roanoke has maintained its status as a White Majority community. From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood showed extremely Low Diversity, with the white population comprising over 85% of residents. In 2018-2019, a slight transition occurred towards Moderate Diversity, with the percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increasing to 11-12%, while the white population decreased to around 80-83%. From 2020 to 2022, the community reverted to Low Diversity status, with the white population increasing to 85-87%. There has been a noticeable increase in Asian and Hispanic representation, albeit still at low levels (2-5%).
The economic trajectory of Roanoke shows a correlation with its demographic stability. From 2013 to 2019, median income remained relatively stable, fluctuating between $52,305 and $58,447. From 2020 to 2022, a significant increase in median income occurred, rising from $57,548 in 2019 to $85,742 in 2020, further to $95,748 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $85,697 in 2022. This income growth coincides with the period of demographic stabilization.
The demographic trends in Roanoke contrast with broader national trends towards increased diversity. The stability in Roanoke's racial composition might be attributed to factors such as housing prices, local policies, or community preferences. The increase in median income from 2019 to 2022 outpaces national averages significantly. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 10% from 2019 to 2021, Roanoke experienced an increase of over 66% in the same period.
The population decline from 734 in 2013 to 494 in 2022, coupled with rising incomes, may indicate a gentrification process where lower-income residents are being replaced by fewer, more affluent households. This trend could potentially lead to future challenges in maintaining community diversity and affordability.
Roanoke has remained a predominantly White Majority, Low Diversity neighborhood over the past decade, with subtle shifts towards increased diversity emerging. The rise in median income, coupled with population decrease, suggests a neighborhood in transition, potentially moving towards a more exclusive, high-income enclave. These trends warrant consideration of policies to ensure inclusive growth and maintain community character in the face of economic changes.
