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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Planeview United, Wichita
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Planeview United, a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, exhibits a demographic landscape categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity." As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 4,390 with a median income of $28,764. Planeview United was originally constructed as temporary housing for aircraft workers during World War II, which has influenced its demographic evolution.
Over the past decade, Planeview United has experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having a "Hispanic Plurality," with 46% of the population identifying as Hispanic. By 2022, while still the largest group at 41%, the Hispanic population no longer constitutes a plurality. The community has transitioned towards a more balanced "Moderate Diversity" classification, with significant representation from White (27%), Asian (14%), and Black (8%) populations.
The most notable shift has been the increase in the "Two or More Races" category, rising from 1% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. This trend suggests that Planeview United is becoming a "Transitional Community," moving towards greater diversity and multicultural integration.
The demographic shifts in Planeview United correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $20,256 to $28,764, a 42% increase. This economic improvement coincides with the diversification of the neighborhood's racial makeup. The rising income levels may have attracted a more diverse population, or conversely, the increasing diversity might have contributed to economic growth through varied skills and cultural capital.
The trends observed in Planeview United align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen growth in their Hispanic and Asian populations over the past decade, as well as increases in multiracial identification. However, the rapid growth of the "Two or More Races" category in Planeview United (from 1% to 9% in just nine years) is particularly noteworthy and outpaces national averages.
The economic growth in Planeview United, while significant, still leaves the neighborhood well below the median household income for Wichita ($55,056 as of 2021) and the United States ($69,021 as of 2021). This suggests that while the neighborhood is experiencing positive change, it continues to face economic challenges common to many historically working-class urban areas.
Planeview United exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a relatively homogeneous community to one of increasing diversity and gradual economic improvement. Its unique history as former wartime housing adds a layer to its ongoing transformation, potentially influencing its trajectory as it continues to evolve in the coming years.
