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Demographic Evolution of Cherokee Hills: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Cherokee Hills, a neighborhood in Overland Park, Kansas, currently exhibits a "White Majority" demographic composition, with 67% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The community has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a state of "Low Diversity" to its current more diverse makeup. With a median income of $59,909 in 2022, Cherokee Hills represents a middle-income suburban area within the larger Kansas City metropolitan region.
In 2013, Cherokee Hills was characterized by "Low Diversity," with 89% of the population identifying as white. Over the next decade, the neighborhood underwent a significant transformation, evolving into a more diverse community. By 2016, it had transitioned to a "Majority-Minority" status, with the white population dropping to 47% and the Hispanic population rising to 33%. This shift was likely triggered by changing migration patterns and possibly more affordable housing options attracting diverse populations.
From 2017 to 2022, the neighborhood oscillated between "White Majority" and "Moderate Diversity" categories. The Hispanic population has maintained a significant presence, ranging from 15% to 32%, while other minority groups, particularly Asian and Black populations, have shown modest increases. This evolution suggests a "Transitional Community" status, with ongoing changes in racial composition.
The demographic shifts in Cherokee Hills correlate with changes in median income. As the neighborhood became more diverse from 2013 to 2016, there was a slight decrease in median income from $55,872 to $50,379. This could indicate an influx of working-class families from diverse backgrounds. From 2016 to 2021, as the community stabilized into a more diverse but still white-majority area, median income saw a substantial increase, peaking at $71,236 in 2021. This trend might suggest gentrification or an influx of higher-income diverse families. The slight dip in median income to $59,909 in 2022, coupled with a small increase in diversity, could indicate a new wave of demographic change.
Population figures have remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 1,900 and 2,600 residents. This stability in population size, despite significant demographic shifts, suggests a dynamic process of in- and out-migration rather than large-scale development or decline.
The demographic evolution of Cherokee Hills mirrors broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past few decades. The economic trajectory of Cherokee Hills, with its recent income growth, also aligns with the trend of "suburban renewal" seen in many metropolitan areas across the country.
The rapid pace of change in Cherokee Hills, particularly the sharp increase in Hispanic population between 2013 and 2016, is more dramatic than typical suburban demographic shifts. This could be indicative of Overland Park's growing attractiveness to diverse populations within the Kansas City metro area.
Cherokee Hills represents a microcosm of the changing face of American suburbs. Its transition from a low-diversity, predominantly white neighborhood to a more diverse, economically dynamic community reflects broader national demographic trends while also highlighting the unique local factors shaping this specific suburban landscape.
