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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Kensington, Tulsa: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Kensington, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a White Plurality to a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, Kensington has a population of 5,164 and a median income of $37,162. The neighborhood has experienced a notable increase in its Asian population over the past decade.
The racial composition of Kensington has shifted considerably. In 2013, whites comprised 42% of the population. By 2022, the demographic landscape had changed significantly. The neighborhood evolved into a Moderate Diversity community by 2020, with no single racial group exceeding 40% of the population. As of 2022, the Black population (25%) has surpassed the White population (34%) as the largest racial group, though not constituting a majority.
One of the most significant changes has been the growth of the Asian population, increasing from 9% in 2013 to 20% in 2022, making it the third-largest racial group in the neighborhood. The White population has steadily declined from 42% in 2013 to 34% in 2022. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 11-18% over the decade. These shifts indicate that Kensington has become increasingly diverse, transitioning from a predominantly White neighborhood to one with a more balanced racial composition.
The demographic changes in Kensington have been accompanied by economic shifts. The median income has increased from $28,471 in 2013 to $37,162 in 2022, representing a 30.5% growth over the decade. The population has grown from 4,129 in 2013 to 5,164 in 2022, a 25% increase. The rise in median income coincides with the increase in Asian population and the overall diversification of the neighborhood.
The trends observed in Kensington align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar shifts towards more diverse populations, often accompanied by economic changes. The growth of the Asian population in Kensington mirrors a national trend of increasing Asian immigration to the United States, particularly in urban centers.
The economic growth in Kensington should be contextualized within the broader economic landscape of Tulsa and Oklahoma. Despite the increase, the median income in Kensington ($37,162 in 2022) remains below the national median household income (which was around $70,784 in 2021), indicating that economic challenges may still persist in the neighborhood.
Kensington's evolution over the past decade reflects a trend towards greater racial diversity and moderate economic improvement. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and future development planning in the neighborhood.
