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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Historic Midtown, Wichita: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Historic Midtown in Wichita, Kansas, is classified as a Moderate Diversity neighborhood with a Hispanic plurality. As of 2022, the area's median income is $36,892, which is low compared to national averages. The neighborhood is known for its early 20th-century architecture and historic districts.
Over the past decade, Historic Midtown has experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a White Plurality area, with whites comprising 44% of the population and Hispanics at 41%. By 2020, it had transitioned to a Majority-Minority community, with Hispanics becoming the largest group at 45% and whites decreasing to 39%. This shift represents a Transitional Community, as the Hispanic population grew while the white population declined.
The most recent data from 2022 shows a slight reversal of this trend, with whites increasing to 44% and Hispanics decreasing to 36%. This change has moved the neighborhood back into the Moderate Diversity category, with two significant racial groups (white and Hispanic) having substantial representation. The Black population has remained relatively stable, between 8-14% throughout the decade, while other racial groups maintain smaller but consistent presences.
The demographic shifts in Historic Midtown correlate with economic trends. The median income has shown overall growth, increasing from $30,937 in 2013 to $36,892 in 2022, a rise of about 19%. This growth has not been linear. There was a significant increase in median income in 2020 to $37,358, coinciding with the peak of Hispanic representation. The subsequent slight decrease in income aligns with the recent shift back towards a more balanced racial composition.
The population of the neighborhood has fluctuated over the decade, reaching a low of 9,925 in 2015 before steadily increasing to 11,618 in 2022. This population growth, combined with the overall increase in median income, suggests a gradual economic improvement in the area, despite remaining below national averages.
The demographic shifts observed in Historic Midtown mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced growth in Hispanic populations and transitions to Majority-Minority status over the past decade. However, the recent slight reversal of this trend in Historic Midtown is somewhat unique.
The economic improvements, while modest, are notable given the national context of rising income inequality. However, the median income in Historic Midtown remains significantly below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights ongoing economic challenges in the neighborhood despite the positive trajectory.
The fluctuations in population, particularly the growth since 2015, could be indicative of urban revitalization efforts or changing perceptions of the neighborhood. The presence of historic districts and architectural significance may be contributing factors to this population growth, potentially attracting new residents interested in the area's cultural heritage.
Historic Midtown exemplifies the dynamic nature of urban neighborhoods, showcasing both demographic fluidity and gradual economic progress. The area's transition through various diversity categories over the past decade reflects the complex interplay of social and economic factors shaping American cities in the 21st century.
