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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Chapel Neighborhood, Independence, Missouri
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Chapel neighborhood in Independence, Missouri, is characterized as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 75% of the neighborhood, with Black (13%) and Hispanic (8%) minorities. The median income in 2022 was $51,404, indicating a moderate economic status. The neighborhood has undergone significant demographic changes and income fluctuations over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Chapel transitioned from a community with Low Diversity (84% white in 2013) to one with Moderate Diversity. The Black population increased from 11% in 2013 to 21% in 2019, before decreasing to 13% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 3% in 2013 to 9% in 2021, slightly decreasing to 8% in 2022. These changes suggest a Transitional Community. The most significant shift occurred between 2015 and 2016, when the white population decreased from 76% to 69%.
The median income in Chapel has fluctuated over the decade. It increased from $45,205 in 2013 to $56,668 in 2019, coinciding with the period of increasing diversity. A decline followed, reaching $45,571 in 2021, before increasing to $51,404 in 2022. These economic shifts correlate with demographic changes. The initial increase in income (2013-2019) aligns with growing diversity, while the subsequent decline (2019-2021) might indicate economic challenges affecting all demographic groups.
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 2,656 in 2013 to 3,347 in 2022, indicating the neighborhood's growing attractiveness despite economic fluctuations.
The demographic shifts in Chapel mirror broader trends seen in many American suburbs, where increasing diversity is reshaping previously homogeneous communities. The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp decline in 2020-2021, likely reflect the nationwide economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The persistence of a White Majority, despite increased diversity, suggests that Chapel may be experiencing a more gradual demographic transition compared to some rapidly changing urban areas. This could be due to its location in a smaller city like Independence, which might experience demographic shifts at a different pace than larger metropolitan areas.
The median income, while fluctuating, has generally remained above the federal poverty line, indicating that Chapel maintains a working to middle-class economic profile. This economic resilience, combined with increasing diversity, suggests that Chapel is evolving into a more inclusive community while maintaining its economic stability.
Chapel represents a microcosm of demographic and economic changes occurring across many American communities. Its transition from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, coupled with income fluctuations, reflects broader societal shifts and economic challenges. As Chapel continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these demographic and economic trends shape the neighborhood's character and community dynamics in the coming years.
