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Demographic and Racial Composition Trends in Ruskin Heights, Kansas City
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Ruskin Heights, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, demonstrates characteristics of a Black Majority community with moderate economic challenges. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 4,529 with a median income of $37,456, which is below the national average. The community's racial composition falls under the "Racial Majority" category, with Black residents comprising 59% of the population. Ruskin Heights has a history as one of the first post-World War II suburbs in the Kansas City area, originally designed to provide affordable housing for returning veterans and their families.
Over the past decade, Ruskin Heights has consistently maintained its status as a Black Majority community. There have been subtle shifts in its demographic makeup. The percentage of Black residents increased from 59% in 2013 to a peak of 68% in 2018, before declining back to 59% in 2022. The white population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 21% and 27% over the decade. There has been a slight increase in the Hispanic population, from 9% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, with some fluctuations in between.
The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has increased from 3% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more diverse community. While these changes do not shift the neighborhood out of the "Racial Majority" category, they suggest a trend towards a "Transitional Community," with slow but steady increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations.
The economic situation in Ruskin Heights has been characterized by fluctuation and overall stagnation. The median income increased from $35,236 in 2013 to a peak of $39,207 in 2014, but has since declined and fluctuated, reaching $37,456 in 2022. This represents a minimal real increase over a decade when accounting for inflation. The neighborhood has seen modest population growth, from 4,214 in 2013 to 4,529 in 2022, an increase of about 7.5%. The economic trends do not show a strong correlation with the demographic shifts. However, the stagnant income levels coupled with population growth might suggest increased economic pressure on residents.
Ruskin Heights' demographic trends partially align with national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. However, its persistent Black majority status and economic challenges set it apart from many suburbs that are experiencing more rapid diversification and economic growth. The neighborhood's income levels remain significantly below the national median household income (which was about $70,784 in 2021), indicating ongoing economic challenges. This economic gap is common in many historically Black neighborhoods across the United States, reflecting broader patterns of racial economic disparity.
The slight increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations mirrors national trends of growing diversity, but at a slower pace than many urban and suburban areas. This suggests that while Ruskin Heights is experiencing some demographic changes, it remains a relatively stable Black-majority community with persistent economic challenges.
