Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition Changes in Hampton South, Tulsa
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Hampton South, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, currently exhibits a "Low Diversity" demographic profile, with a white majority comprising 77% of the population as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced fluctuations in its median income over the past decade, with a current figure of $48,292 in 2022, lower than its peak of $77,225 in 2016. This suburban area is near the Arkansas River and several parks, offering residents natural amenities and suburban living.
Over the past decade, Hampton South has transitioned from a "Moderate Diversity" community to its current "Low Diversity" status. In 2013, the neighborhood displayed a more balanced racial composition, with whites comprising 41% of the population, Hispanics 35%, and other racial groups having significant representation. By 2022, the white population had increased to 77%, while other racial groups saw declines in their proportional representation.
This shift towards a white majority occurred gradually, with the community transitioning through various diversity categories. From 2013-2015, it was classified as "Moderate Diversity" with no clear racial majority. From 2016-2019, it became "White Majority" but still maintained some diversity. From 2020-2022, it solidified its "Low Diversity" status with the white population exceeding 75%. The Hispanic population saw the most significant decline, from 35% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, suggesting potential outmigration or demographic replacement.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory shows a downward trend that correlates with its demographic shifts. From 2013-2018, there was a relatively stable median income ranging from $68,000 to $77,000. From 2019-2022, there was a sharp decline in median income, dropping to around $48,000-$53,000. This economic downturn coincides with the period of decreased racial diversity, suggesting a potential link between the two trends. The exodus of the Hispanic population and other minority groups may have contributed to changes in the local economic landscape, possibly due to shifts in the labor market or housing preferences.
The demographic shift in Hampton South runs counter to national trends, which generally show increasing diversity in suburban areas. The neighborhood's transition to a more homogeneous racial composition is atypical for a mid-sized city like Tulsa, which has been experiencing overall increases in diversity. The economic decline observed in Hampton South is particularly stark when compared to national median household income trends. While the U.S. saw a general increase in median household income from 2013 to 2022, Hampton South experienced a significant decrease, especially from 2019 onwards.
This divergence from national trends raises questions about local factors that may be influencing both the demographic and economic shifts in the neighborhood. Possible explanations could include changes in local industry, housing market dynamics, or city-wide policies affecting population movement and economic opportunities. Hampton South has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a moderately diverse community with a stable economic profile to a less diverse area facing economic challenges. This change highlights the interplay between racial demographics and economic conditions in suburban neighborhoods and underscores the importance of understanding local contexts when analyzing broader urban trends.
