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Demographic and Racial Analysis of Hilltop-Jefferson Neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Hilltop-Jefferson neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, exhibits a "White Majority" demographic composition, with 69% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced fluctuations in its racial makeup over the past decade, trending towards increased diversity. The median income was $39,970 in 2022, representing a decline from previous years. Hilltop-Jefferson is known for its historic architecture, featuring early 20th-century homes reflecting Wichita's development during the oil boom era.
From 2013 to 2022, Hilltop-Jefferson maintained a "White Majority" status, with fluctuations in the percentage of white residents. The neighborhood approached a "Moderate Diversity" classification in 2015-2016 when the white population dropped to about 50%, but reverted to a stronger "White Majority" in subsequent years. The Black population peaked at 26% in 2016 but declined to 9% in 2022. The Asian population grew from 1% in 2013 to 12% in 2019, before settling at 3% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, around 10-15% throughout the decade.
The median income in Hilltop-Jefferson showed a downward trend over the observed period. From $45,877 in 2013, it decreased to $39,970 in 2022, a decline of about 13%. This economic downturn coincided with periods of demographic change, particularly the increase in diversity around 2015-2016 when median income dropped to $42,856. There was a brief uptick in median income to $47,855 in 2019, corresponding with the highest percentage of Asian residents (12%) and a lower percentage of Black residents (8%).
The population of the neighborhood declined over the decade, from 1,859 in 2013 to 1,630 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with the falling median income, indicates potential economic challenges in the area.
The trends in Hilltop-Jefferson can be contextualized within broader national patterns. Many urban neighborhoods across the United States have experienced demographic shifts towards increased diversity over the past decade. However, the fluctuation back to a stronger white majority in recent years is somewhat atypical of national trends in urban areas. The declining median income in Hilltop-Jefferson contrasts with the general trend of rising median incomes in many U.S. cities over the same period.
The preservation of historic architecture in Hilltop-Jefferson, despite economic challenges, indicates a commitment to maintaining the neighborhood's character. This could be a potential asset for future revitalization efforts, as many cities have leveraged historic districts for economic development and tourism.
Hilltop-Jefferson presents a picture of a neighborhood in transition, balancing its historical identity with changing demographics and economic pressures. The interplay between racial composition shifts and economic fluctuations suggests a community in flux, potentially requiring targeted economic development strategies to stabilize and improve conditions for all residents.
