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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Benjamin Hills, Wichita: A Study of Neighborhood Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Benjamin Hills, a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, is classified as a "Transitional Community" with increasing diversity over the past decade. As of 2022, the area maintains a White majority of 59%, with a significant increase in the Hispanic population. The median income in 2022 was $76,078, indicating a relatively affluent community. Benjamin Hills is characterized by its mid-century modern homes.
The neighborhood has transitioned from "Low Diversity" in 2013 to "Moderate Diversity" in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 19% in 2013 to 32% in 2022, while the White population decreased from 71% to 59%. The Black population also increased from 1% to 6% during this period.
The median income in Benjamin Hills has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $67,290 in 2013 to $76,078 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. The population grew from 6,202 in 2013 to 7,144 in 2022, suggesting increased attractiveness to new residents. These trends indicate potential gentrification or urban renewal in the area.
The economic trends correlate with the demographic shifts. As the community has become more diverse, it has also become more prosperous overall. This suggests that the influx of new residents, particularly from the growing Hispanic community, may be bringing new economic opportunities or reflecting broader economic growth in the area.
The trends observed in Benjamin Hills align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen similar shifts in traditionally white-majority neighborhoods, with growing Hispanic populations often leading the change. The income growth in Benjamin Hills outpaces the national average, suggesting that this neighborhood is particularly attractive to upwardly mobile residents.
The neighborhood's economy has shown resilience, even through the challenges of 2020-2021, indicating a robust local economic base. This could be attributed to Wichita's diverse economy, which includes aviation manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors.
Benjamin Hills exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from low diversity to moderate diversity while maintaining economic growth. These changes likely bring both opportunities and challenges, potentially reshaping local businesses, schools, and community dynamics. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, maintaining social cohesion and equitable development will be key to ensuring a thriving community for all residents.
