Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Union Hill: From Moderate to Low Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Union Hill, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, currently exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority of 81% in 2022. The area has experienced significant population growth and economic development over the past decade, with the median income rising from $55,503 in 2015 to $72,574 in 2022. This neighborhood is known for its historic charm, featuring 19th-century homes and a mix of modern amenities, making it an attractive area for urban professionals and young families.
Union Hill has maintained a consistent White Majority status throughout the observed period (2013-2022). From 2013 to 2016, the area could be categorized as having Moderate Diversity. During this period, the white population ranged from 63% to 71%, with significant representation from Hispanic (10-14%) and Black (8-12%) populations. From 2017 onwards, the neighborhood transitioned towards Low Diversity as the white population steadily increased, reaching 81% by 2022. This shift coincided with a decrease in representation from other racial groups, particularly Asian and Hispanic populations.
The demographic shifts in Union Hill correlate with economic changes. The transition towards Low Diversity and increased White Majority coincided with a significant increase in median income. From 2015 to 2022, median income rose from $55,503 to $72,574, a 30.8% increase. Population growth was steady throughout the period, increasing from 296 in 2010 to 512 in 2022, indicating the neighborhood's growing attractiveness. The period of highest diversity (2014-2016) corresponded with the lowest median incomes in the observed range, suggesting that increased diversity may have been linked to more affordable housing options during that time.
Union Hill's demographic shift towards increased White Majority and Low Diversity goes against the national trend of increasing diversity in urban areas. This could suggest gentrification processes at work in the neighborhood. The significant income growth (30.8% from 2015 to 2022) outpaces the national average income growth for the same period, which was around 15-20% depending on the specific measure used. This indicates that Union Hill has experienced above-average economic growth. The population growth from 296 to 512 (a 73% increase) over 12 years is substantial for an established urban neighborhood, suggesting strong demand for housing in the area.
Union Hill has transitioned from a moderately diverse neighborhood with lower incomes to a less diverse, predominantly white area with significantly higher incomes. This transformation aligns with patterns of urban gentrification seen in many U.S. cities, where historic neighborhoods close to city centers become increasingly attractive to higher-income residents, often resulting in demographic shifts and rising property values. The challenge for Union Hill moving forward will be to balance this economic growth with efforts to maintain or restore some level of diversity, ensuring the neighborhood remains inclusive and vibrant.
