Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in La Placita Park, Wichita: A Study of Neighborhood Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
La Placita Park, a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, is classified as a Moderate Diversity community with a White Majority as of 2022. The white population constitutes 58% of residents, while the Hispanic population represents 31%. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 is $33,091, which is below the national average. La Placita Park is characterized by Hispanic cultural influences in local businesses and community events.
La Placita Park has transitioned from a Low Diversity community with a strong White Majority to its current state of Moderate Diversity over the past decade. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with white residents comprising 66% of the population and the Hispanic community at 27%. By 2022, the Hispanic population increased to 31%. This change indicates that La Placita Park is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The Asian population in La Placita Park has grown from 0% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, contributing to the neighborhood's increasing diversity. The Black population has remained relatively stable, ranging between 1-5% over the decade.
The demographic shifts in La Placita Park correlate with fluctuations in median income. The neighborhood experienced economic growth from 2013 to 2015, with median income increasing from $34,230 to $39,563. This was followed by a decline, reaching $32,665 in 2017. The median income has shown modest recovery but remains volatile, ending at $33,091 in 2022.
The economic trends suggest that increasing diversity has not necessarily led to improved economic conditions. The influx of Hispanic and Asian residents coincides with periods of both economic growth and decline, indicating that factors beyond demographic changes are influencing the neighborhood's economic health.
The demographic shifts observed in La Placita Park align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growth in Hispanic and Asian populations over the past decade. However, the economic challenges faced by La Placita Park, as evidenced by its below-average median income, are more pronounced than national averages.
The neighborhood's population has decreased from 3,022 in 2013 to 2,741 in 2022, contrasting with the growth seen in many urban areas nationally. This decline, coupled with the changing racial composition, suggests that La Placita Park may be experiencing unique local factors affecting its demographic and economic landscape.
La Placita Park exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater diversity while experiencing economic challenges. The interplay between demographic shifts and economic fluctuations highlights the complex dynamics shaping this Wichita community. Addressing economic disparities while embracing growing diversity will be important for the neighborhood's future development and community well-being.
