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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Mead Neighborhood, Wichita
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Mead neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a significant Hispanic population. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 3,724 and a median income of $33,207. Mead's proximity to Wichita State University likely influences its demographic makeup and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Mead has transitioned from a White Plurality to a Moderate Diversity profile. In 2013, whites comprised 42% of the population, decreasing to 37% by 2022. The Hispanic population ranged from 31% to 37% between 2013 and 2019, declining to 25% in 2022. The Black population increased from 9% in 2013 to 19% in 2022, indicating a Transitional Community trend.
The Asian population increased from 2% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, and individuals identifying as two or more races rose from 5% to 11% over the same period. These changes reinforce the neighborhood's evolution towards greater diversity.
The median income in Mead has fluctuated, showing a general downward trend from $36,647 in 2013 to $28,695 in 2019, before increasing to $33,207 in 2022. This overall decline in median income correlates with the shift towards greater racial diversity, suggesting potential economic challenges associated with demographic changes.
The population has shown moderate growth, increasing from 3,781 in 2013 to 3,724 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. The peak population of 4,295 in 2019 coincided with the lowest median income.
The demographic shifts in Mead align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth in Hispanic and Asian populations reflects similar patterns seen in many U.S. cities. The recent decline in the Hispanic population percentage, coupled with increases in Black and multiracial populations, suggests a unique local dynamic.
The economic fluctuations in Mead may be influenced by local factors and broader economic trends. The neighborhood's income levels remain below the national median, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021, indicating ongoing economic challenges.
Mead's evolution from a White Plurality to a Moderately Diverse community over the past decade reflects broader national trends towards increased racial diversity. The economic implications of these changes, as evidenced by the fluctuating median income, suggest a complex interplay between demographic shifts and economic wellbeing in this Wichita neighborhood.
