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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Blue Township in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibited a "Moderate Diversity" profile with a white plurality as of 2022. The neighborhood's population was 980, with a median income of $34,375, lower than the national median. The community experienced population fluctuations over the past decade.
West Blue Township underwent significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Low Diversity" with a white majority (78%). By 2022, it transitioned to "Moderate Diversity" with a white plurality (58%). This shift represented a substantial increase in racial diversity over a relatively short period.
The most notable changes included a decrease in the white population share from 78% to 58%, an increase in the Black population from 12% to 21%, fluctuations in the Hispanic population, and an increase in residents identifying as two or more races from 3% to 9%. These shifts suggest West Blue Township can be classified as a "Transitional Community."
The demographic shifts coincided with fluctuations in median income. The median income decreased from $37,506 in 2013 to $34,375 in 2022, representing an overall decrease of about 8.3% over the decade, not accounting for inflation. The period of highest diversity (2016-2019) corresponded with relatively stable median incomes around $38,000-$40,000.
The population remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 871 and 1,089 residents, with no clear trend of growth or decline. This suggests that while the racial composition changed significantly, the overall size of the community did not.
The demographic shifts observed in West Blue Township reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. However, the recent reversal of this trend, with a slight increase in the white population share and decrease in Hispanic residents, may be unique to this neighborhood or reflect specific local factors.
The decline in median income over the decade, particularly in recent years, diverges from national trends of slow but steady income growth. This suggests that West Blue Township may be facing particular economic challenges that warrant further investigation.
The neighborhood's transition from low to moderate diversity, followed by a slight reversal, illustrates the complex and non-linear nature of demographic change in American communities. It also highlights the potential volatility of such changes, especially in smaller communities where shifts in a relatively small number of residents can significantly alter the overall demographic profile.
West Blue Township exemplifies a community in transition, grappling with changing demographics and economic challenges. The interplay between these factors will likely continue to shape the neighborhood's character and challenges in the coming years.