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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Historic Holiday Park, Topeka: A Study from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Historic Holiday Park in Topeka, Kansas, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 598 and a median income of $23,921. It is classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community with a White Plurality (52%), accompanied by significant Black (28%) and Hispanic (15%) populations. The area is characterized by Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets.
Over the past decade, Historic Holiday Park has experienced notable demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a "White Majority" community with 55% of the population identifying as white. By 2019, it transitioned to a "Majority-Minority" status, with the white population decreasing to 40% and the Black population increasing to 34%. This shift indicates a significant change in the neighborhood's racial composition.
The community has alternated between "Moderate Diversity" and "Majority-Minority" categories in recent years. The Black population has shown consistent growth, increasing from 24% in 2013 to 28% in 2022. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable at approximately 15%. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has also increased slightly from 4% to 5% over the decade.
These changes suggest a trend towards increasing diversity, potentially classifying Historic Holiday Park as a "Transitional Community" over the observed period.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic trends. The median income has fluctuated, starting at $19,894 in 2013 and reaching $23,921 in 2022. The highest median income of $25,632 was recorded in 2021, coinciding with the highest percentage of Black residents (35%) and one of the lowest percentages of White residents (46%).
The population has shown significant variability, peaking at 965 in 2017 and declining to 598 in 2022. This population decrease coincides with a slight increase in the White population percentage and a decrease in the Black population percentage, suggesting possible selective out-migration.
The demographic changes in Historic Holiday Park reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods. However, the neighborhood's median income remains significantly below the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2022. This disparity suggests that while the area is becoming more diverse, it may be facing economic challenges compared to national averages.
The fluctuating population numbers, particularly the sharp decline from 2017 to 2022, could indicate broader issues affecting the neighborhood, such as housing affordability, job opportunities, or urban development policies. These changes may be part of larger trends affecting mid-sized cities in the Midwest, where population shifts and economic restructuring have been common in recent decades.
Historic Holiday Park exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, balancing its historical character with evolving demographics and economic challenges. The interplay between racial composition changes and income fluctuations presents a complex picture of a community adapting to broader societal shifts while maintaining its unique identity.
