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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Westside North, Kansas City: A White Majority Neighborhood with Hispanic Heritage
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westside North, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, is a White Majority community with a median income of $56,470 as of 2022. The area has shown characteristics of a Transitional Community over the past decade, with shifts in its racial composition and economic landscape. Westside North is known for its Hispanic heritage, particularly its Mexican-American community, which has historically influenced the neighborhood's cultural identity.
In 2013, Westside North exhibited characteristics of a Moderate Diversity community, with representation from White (45%), Hispanic (33%), and Black (17%) populations. By 2022, the neighborhood transitioned towards a White Majority status, reaching 51% White population. The Hispanic population declined from 33% in 2013 to 22% in 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable, between 17-20% throughout the decade.
The Asian population and those identifying as two or more races increased from negligible percentages to 3% and 4% respectively by 2022. This trend indicates growing diversity within minority groups, even as the overall racial makeup shifts towards a White majority.
The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade. The median income increased from $36,250 in 2013 to $56,470 in 2022, a 55.8% increase. The population grew from 2,946 in 2013 to 3,745 in 2022, a 27% increase. This population growth and rising median income suggest an influx of higher-income residents, potentially contributing to the observed demographic changes.
The trends in Westside North align with patterns of urban gentrification seen in many U.S. cities. The increasing White population percentage and rising median income are indicators of neighborhood transformation. However, the retention of significant minority populations suggests that Westside North has maintained some of its diverse character despite these changes.
Westside North's median income of $56,470 in 2022 is below the national average of $70,784 in 2021. However, the rapid growth rate suggests a closing gap. This economic growth could lead to further demographic changes and impact the neighborhood's affordability for long-term residents.
The neighborhood's transition from a more diverse community to one with a White majority, while retaining significant minority populations, reflects broader national conversations about gentrification, urban development, and the preservation of cultural heritage in changing neighborhoods. The challenge for Westside North will be to balance economic growth with the preservation of its diverse cultural identity, particularly its Hispanic heritage.
