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Demographic Shifts in Tennessee Town: From Majority-Minority to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Tennessee Town, a neighborhood in Topeka, Kansas, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community as of 2022. The white population comprises 64% of the neighborhood. The median income of $24,022 in 2022 suggests Tennessee Town is a working-class neighborhood facing economic challenges common in urban areas undergoing demographic shifts.
Over the past decade, Tennessee Town has experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community, with the white population at 47% and a significant Hispanic presence (29%). By 2022, the neighborhood transitioned to a "White Majority" status, with the white population increasing to 64%. This shift represents a reversal of the national trend towards increasing diversity in urban areas.
The Hispanic population, which ranged from 25-32% in 2013-2016, has decreased to 12% by 2022. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 11% and 21% throughout the decade. The median income in Tennessee Town has shown volatility over the past decade, ranging from a low of $18,697 in 2013 to a peak of $31,406 in 2021 before declining to $24,022 in 2022.
The population of Tennessee Town has fluctuated, declining from 692 in 2013 to a low of 436 in 2020, before rebounding to 606 in 2022. This population decline and subsequent partial recovery coincide with the shift towards a white majority.
The demographic evolution of Tennessee Town appears to run counter to national trends in urban areas, which typically show increasing diversity over time. The shift from a majority-minority community to a white majority is noteworthy and may reflect broader changes in Topeka or specific local factors affecting this neighborhood.
The economic volatility observed in Tennessee Town, with significant fluctuations in median income, is not uncommon in working-class urban neighborhoods. However, the extent of these fluctuations suggests that Tennessee Town may be particularly vulnerable to economic shocks or changes in local employment opportunities.
The decline in the Hispanic population is notable and warrants further investigation. This trend could be related to changes in local industries, housing policies, or other socio-economic factors specific to Topeka or this neighborhood.
Tennessee Town presents a case study of a neighborhood undergoing significant demographic and economic changes. The transition from a majority-minority to a white majority community, coupled with volatile economic indicators, suggests a neighborhood in flux. Understanding the drivers behind these changes and their implications for community cohesion and economic development will be crucial for local policymakers and community leaders.
