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Demographic Shifts in Park Meadows: From High Diversity to White Majority (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Park Meadows, a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, currently presents as a "White Majority" community with a median income of $76,492 as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, evolving from a more diverse composition to its current state. Park Meadows is known for its well-maintained parks and green spaces, which contribute to its desirability among residents.
In 2013, Park Meadows could be categorized as a "High Diversity" neighborhood, with no racial group exceeding 40% of the population and at least three groups (Asian, White, and Black) having significant representation. However, over the years, the neighborhood has transitioned towards a "White Majority" status. The Asian population, which was the largest group in 2013 at 31%, has seen a gradual decline to 24% by 2022. Conversely, the White population has steadily increased from 34% in 2013 to 50% in 2022, crossing the threshold for a "Racial Majority."
The Black and Hispanic populations have fluctuated over the years but generally remained smaller proportions of the community. The "Two or More Races" category has seen a slight increase, possibly indicating a trend towards more mixed-race families in the area. The median income in Park Meadows has shown an overall upward trend, rising from $69,551 in 2013 to $76,492 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. Notably, there was a significant spike in median income to $93,120 in 2021, followed by a sharp decrease in 2022.
The population of Park Meadows has grown steadily from 757 in 2013 to 937 in 2022, indicating a growing attractiveness of the neighborhood. This population growth, combined with the increasing median income and shift towards a White majority, might suggest a gentrification process or changes in the local housing market that are attracting higher-income residents.
The demographic shifts in Park Meadows mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. However, the transition towards a White majority in this neighborhood contrasts with the general trend of increasing diversity seen in many U.S. cities. This could indicate that Park Meadows is experiencing a unique set of local factors influencing its demographic composition.
The economic growth in Park Meadows, as evidenced by the rising median income, aligns with national trends of economic recovery and growth in the post-2008 recession era. However, the sharp fluctuations in recent years, particularly the spike in 2021 followed by a decrease in 2022, may reflect the volatile economic conditions experienced nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Park Meadows has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from a highly diverse community to one with a White majority. This demographic shift, coupled with overall economic growth and population increase, suggests a changing character of the neighborhood that may have implications for local policies, community dynamics, and future development plans.
