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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Matlock Heights, Wichita: A Study of Black Majority Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Matlock Heights, a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, exhibits a changing demographic landscape. As of 2022, it is classified as a "Black Majority" community, with 54% of the population identifying as Black. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, indicating a potential transition towards increased diversity. Economically, Matlock Heights has shown modest income growth, with the median income increasing from $22,503 in 2013 to $29,793 in 2022, suggesting some economic progress despite remaining below the national average.
From 2013 to 2022, Matlock Heights underwent a notable transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was firmly in the "Black Majority" category with 78% of the population. By 2022, while still maintaining a Black majority at 54%, this percentage decreased significantly. The Hispanic population grew from 4% in 2013 to a peak of 29% in 2018, before settling at 12% in 2022. This fluctuation suggests a "Transitional Community" status.
A significant change is the growth of the Asian population from 1% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, contributing to increased diversity. The White population has fluctuated, starting at 14% in 2013, peaking at 19% in 2014 and 2021, and settling at 17% in 2022. These shifts indicate a move towards "Moderate Diversity," with three racial groups (Black, White, and Asian) each representing over 10% of the population in 2022.
The median income has shown an overall upward trend, from $22,503 in 2013 to $29,793 in 2022, representing a 32% increase over nine years. The neighborhood's population has grown from 1,907 in 2013 to 2,125 in 2022, a 11.4% increase, suggesting increased attractiveness or housing development. The increasing diversity appears to correlate with modest economic improvement, possibly indicating that the influx of new residents is contributing to economic growth.
The shift towards greater diversity in Matlock Heights aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Despite the growth in median income, at $29,793 in 2022, Matlock Heights likely remains below the national median household income (which was around $70,784 in 2021), indicating ongoing economic challenges. The significant increase in the Asian population (from 1% to 12%) is notable and may reflect broader migration patterns or changes in local industries attracting Asian immigrants or Asian-American residents.
Matlock Heights exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly Black community towards a more diverse demographic makeup. This shift is accompanied by modest economic improvements, though the area still faces economic challenges. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, while also presenting unique patterns of rapid change in certain demographic groups, particularly the Asian population.
