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Demographic Shifts in Red Ridge South: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Red Ridge South, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population stands at 2,854 with a median income of $49,402. The population size has remained relatively stable over the past decade, ranging between 2,400 and 3,000 residents.
Over the past decade, Red Ridge South has experienced gradual changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as a White Majority community with 67% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority status, the community has moved closer to becoming a Moderate Diversity area. The most notable change has been the increase in the Black population, rising from 24% in 2013 to 29% in 2022. The Hispanic population has grown from 1% to 4%, and the Asian population has also increased from 1% to 4%. The emergence of a "two or more races" category, comprising 3% of the population in 2022, further indicates a trend towards increased diversity.
The demographic shifts in Red Ridge South correlate with changes in median income. The neighborhood experienced a peak in median income in 2014 at $50,498, followed by a decline to $41,891 in 2017. This period coincides with a slight increase in racial diversity, particularly growth in the Black population. From 2017 to 2022, as the community continued to diversify, there has been a gradual recovery in median income, reaching $49,402 in 2022. This trend suggests that the increasing diversity has not negatively impacted the economic status of the neighborhood.
The trends observed in Red Ridge South align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and urban neighborhoods. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar gradual shifts towards more diverse populations, often accompanied by economic fluctuations as communities adapt to changing demographics.
The resilience of Red Ridge South's median income, despite demographic changes, is notable. In many areas across the U.S., rapid demographic shifts have sometimes led to more pronounced economic disruptions. The relatively smooth economic transition in Red Ridge South could indicate effective community integration policies or a robust local economy that has been able to absorb and benefit from increased diversity.
Red Ridge South exemplifies a community in gradual transition, moving from a predominantly White Majority area towards a more diverse neighborhood. The economic stability maintained throughout this transition suggests a healthy integration process, potentially serving as a model for other communities experiencing similar demographic shifts.
