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Demographic Shifts in Kashmere Gardens: Black Majority with Emerging Hispanic Representation
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Kashmere Gardens, a neighborhood in Houston, Texas, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with emerging Hispanic representation. As of 2022, the neighborhood's racial composition shows 63% Black and 31% Hispanic residents, with a median income of $30,412. This low-income area has faced economic challenges, but it's known for its strong community ties and historical significance in Houston's African American culture.
Over the past decade, Kashmere Gardens has undergone a gradual transition from a strong Black Majority to a more diverse community, though still maintaining its Black Majority status. In 2013, the neighborhood was in the Low Diversity category with 72% Black residents. By 2020, it had shifted towards Moderate Diversity, with the Black population decreasing to 56% and the Hispanic population increasing to 38%. This trend suggests a Transitional Community, as the Hispanic population has grown significantly over the years.
The most recent data from 2022 shows a slight reversal of this trend, with the Black population increasing to 63% and the Hispanic population decreasing to 31%. This fluctuation could indicate complex demographic dynamics at play, possibly influenced by factors such as gentrification, economic opportunities, or changes in housing affordability.
The median income in Kashmere Gardens has shown a general upward trend over the past decade, rising from $21,893 in 2013 to $30,412 in 2022. This represents a 39% increase. However, this income level is still well below the national median, indicating persistent economic challenges.
The periods of most rapid income growth coincided with the years when the community was becoming more diverse. Between 2015 and 2018, as the Hispanic population grew and the Black population declined, the median income rose from $21,785 to $31,006, a 42% increase in three years. This could suggest that increasing diversity may have brought some economic benefits to the area.
The demographic shifts in Kashmere Gardens reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically Black neighborhoods are experiencing an influx of Hispanic residents. This trend is particularly noticeable in Southern states like Texas, where the Hispanic population has been growing rapidly.
The recent slight reversal of this trend in Kashmere Gardens, with an increase in the Black population percentage in 2022, is somewhat unique. It could indicate a stabilization of the community or perhaps a response to gentrification pressures in other parts of Houston, causing some Black residents to move back to more affordable areas.
The economic growth in Kashmere Gardens, while significant for the neighborhood, still lags behind national trends. The U.S. median household income grew by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), while Kashmere Gardens saw a larger percentage increase but from a much lower base. This suggests that while the neighborhood is making progress, it still faces substantial economic challenges compared to national averages.
Kashmere Gardens presents a complex picture of a community in transition. While it remains a Black Majority area, it has shown signs of increasing diversity and some economic improvement over the past decade. These changes reflect broader urban trends but also highlight the unique challenges and resilience of this Houston neighborhood.
