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Demographic Shifts in South Blue Valley: From Black Plurality to Majority-Minority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Blue Valley, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibited a transition from a Black Plurality community in 2013 to a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity by 2022. The neighborhood's population in 2022 was 1,461 with a median income of $28,008. This area has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade.
In 2013, South Blue Valley had a Black Plurality, with 48% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, the neighborhood had evolved into a Majority-Minority community with Moderate Diversity. Hispanic residents became the largest group at 37%, followed by Black residents at 30%, and White residents at 19%. The Hispanic population increased from 24% in 2013 to 37% in 2022, while the Black population decreased from 48% to 30% during the same period. The White population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 18% and 34% over the years.
The demographic changes in South Blue Valley corresponded with fluctuations in median income and population figures. The median income decreased from $24,914 in 2013 to $16,811 in 2014, coinciding with a period of population decline. As the community became more diverse, there was a gradual increase in median income, reaching $28,008 by 2022. The population of South Blue Valley declined from 2,403 in 2010 to 1,461 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in South Blue Valley align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growth in their Hispanic populations and a decline in Black populations in certain neighborhoods. These changes are often associated with gentrification or changing economic opportunities.
The economic improvement in South Blue Valley, while modest, is notable given the national context of rising income inequality. However, the median income of $28,008 in 2022 remains significantly below the national median household income of approximately $70,784 in the same year. This indicates that South Blue Valley still faces considerable economic challenges compared to national averages.
The population decline in South Blue Valley contrasts with the overall growth trend of Kansas City, which has seen a steady increase in population over the past decade. This disparity could indicate localized challenges in the neighborhood, such as housing issues, job availability, or other factors affecting residential desirability.
South Blue Valley exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater diversity while grappling with economic and population challenges. The interplay between demographic shifts and economic trends suggests a complex urban landscape that may require targeted community development strategies to address both the opportunities and challenges presented by these changes.
