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Demographic Shifts in Irving Neighborhood: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Irving neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community, with 60% of the population identifying as white in 2022. This classification, however, does not fully represent Irving's evolving diversity. The neighborhood has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade, along with fluctuating economic conditions. Irving's proximity to the University of Tulsa likely influences its demographic composition and economic dynamics.
Over the past decade, Irving has transitioned through several diversity categories. In 2013, it was classified as a "White Majority" community with 53% white population. From 2014 to 2019, it shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" category, with the white population around 50% and significant representation from Black and Hispanic groups. In 2018 and 2019, the neighborhood briefly became a "Majority-Minority" community, with the white population decreasing to 43%. By 2020, it reverted to a "White Majority" status, which has strengthened through 2022.
This fluctuation suggests a "Transitional Community" characteristic, particularly evident in the increasing representation of Black and Native American populations over the years. The Hispanic population, while significant, has shown more volatility.
The median income in Irving has shown overall growth from 2013 to 2022, rising from $26,910 to $44,831. This growth has not been linear. There was a steady increase until 2019, followed by a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before rebounding in 2022. The periods of higher diversity (2014-2019) coincided with consistent income growth. The return to a stronger "White Majority" in 2020-2022 initially corresponded with a drop in median income, though it recovered by 2022.
The neighborhood's population has generally declined over the decade, from 1,379 in 2010 to 1,122 in 2022, with some fluctuations. This decline might indicate changing housing preferences or economic pressures influencing residency patterns.
The demographic shifts in Irving reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly in university towns. The proximity to the University of Tulsa likely contributes to the neighborhood's dynamic racial composition, with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds influencing local demographics. The economic trends, particularly the income growth until 2019 and the subsequent dip during the pandemic years, align with national patterns. Irving's quick recovery to pre-pandemic income levels by 2022 suggests a resilient local economy, possibly buoyed by its connection to the university.
The oscillation between "Moderate Diversity" and "White Majority" status over the decade indicates that Irving is at a demographic crossroads. This pattern might reflect broader tensions in many American communities between increasing diversity and resistance to change. Irving presents a microcosm of demographic and economic shifts occurring in many American neighborhoods. Its journey from moderate diversity to a reinforced white majority, coupled with overall economic growth despite recent challenges, illustrates a community in flux, balancing the forces of change with the pull of tradition.
