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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Kenworth Neighborhood: A Study of Black Plurality and Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Kenworth neighborhood in Hickory, North Carolina, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "Black Plurality" community with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The Black population comprises 45% of the neighborhood, while the White population accounts for 40%. Over the past decade, the area has undergone significant demographic changes, accompanied by fluctuations in median income. Kenworth's proximity to Lenoir-Rhyne University may influence its demographic composition and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, Kenworth has transitioned from a "Moderate Diversity" community to a "Black Plurality" neighborhood. In 2013, the racial distribution was more balanced, with White (34%), Black (38%), and Hispanic (22%) populations having significant representation. By 2022, the Black population increased to 45%, while the Hispanic population decreased to 7%, indicating a shift in the neighborhood's racial composition.
The community has maintained its "Moderate Diversity" status throughout most of the observed period, with two or three racial groups consistently having significant representation (over 20%). However, the increasing Black population and decreasing Hispanic population suggest a trend towards potentially lower diversity in the future if these patterns continue.
The median income in Kenworth has fluctuated considerably over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general downward trend in median income, dropping from $30,608 to $26,380. This decline coincided with a decrease in the overall population, which fell from 3,205 in 2013 to 2,341 in 2019.
Since 2020, there has been a reversal in both population and income trends. The population increased from 2,341 in 2019 to 3,207 in 2022, while median income rose to $28,843 in 2022, with a spike to $36,977 in 2021. This recent economic upturn correlates with the solidification of the Black plurality in the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts observed in Kenworth reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. The specific pattern of a growing Black plurality and declining Hispanic population may be influenced by local factors such as the presence of Lenoir-Rhyne University or changes in local industries.
The economic fluctuations in Kenworth, particularly the recent upward trend in both population and median income, suggest a potential revitalization of the neighborhood. This could be part of a larger trend of urban renewal or gentrification seen in many mid-sized cities across the United States.
Kenworth's median income ($28,843 in 2022) remains significantly below the national median household income (which was around $70,784 in 2021). This indicates that while the neighborhood is experiencing positive economic changes, it still faces challenges in terms of overall economic prosperity compared to national averages.
Kenworth presents an example of a neighborhood in transition, both demographically and economically. Its evolution from a more evenly diverse community to one with a clear Black plurality, coupled with recent economic improvements, suggests a neighborhood that is adapting to changing social and economic pressures. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these trends solidify into long-term demographic and economic patterns for the area.
