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Demographic and Racial Trends in East Meyer 6: A Study of a Black-Majority Neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Meyer 6, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "Racial Majority" community with a predominant Black population. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 2,363 and a median income of $50,572. This area has undergone significant demographic and economic shifts over the past decade, reflecting broader urban transformation patterns often seen in mid-sized American cities.
From 2013 to 2022, East Meyer 6 has consistently maintained its status as a "Racial Majority" community, with the Black population being the dominant group. The Black population reached its peak at 86% in 2017, up from 72% in 2013. However, by 2022, this percentage decreased to 67%, indicating a gradual diversification. The White population has shown a significant increase, rising from 15% in 2013 to 23% in 2022, suggesting a potential trend towards "Moderate Diversity" in the future. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races has increased from 5% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, indicating a growing complexity in racial identities.
The neighborhood's economic landscape has shown considerable volatility over the decade. Median income dropped sharply from $47,630 in 2013 to a low of $34,339 in 2018, before rebounding to $50,572 in 2022. This U-shaped trend suggests a period of economic hardship followed by recovery. The population peaked at 3,625 in 2015 but has since declined to 2,363 in 2022. This decrease coincides with the initial drop in median income, possibly indicating outmigration during economic downturn. The significant increase in median income from 2018 to 2022 (rising by about 47%) suggests a recent economic revitalization, potentially attracting a more diverse population.
The demographic shifts in East Meyer 6 mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in the White population and those identifying as multiracial is consistent with patterns seen in many U.S. cities undergoing gentrification or urban renewal. The economic volatility experienced by this neighborhood is reminiscent of challenges faced by many urban communities in the post-2008 recession era. The recent economic upturn suggests a potential for urban revitalization, which often brings both opportunities and challenges for long-term residents.
The persistent Black majority in East Meyer 6, despite increasing diversity, stands in contrast to many urban neighborhoods that have experienced more rapid demographic turnover. This stability might indicate strong community ties or cultural significance of the area to its Black residents.
East Meyer 6 presents a complex picture of a neighborhood in transition. While maintaining its status as a Black-majority area, it shows signs of increasing diversity and recent economic improvement. These changes suggest a community at a crossroads, potentially moving towards a more diverse demographic and economic profile in the coming years. The challenge for local policymakers and community leaders will be to manage this transition in a way that benefits long-term residents while welcoming new community members.
