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Demographic Stability and Economic Decline in South Town Fork Creek: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Town Fork Creek, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a Black Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has 1,142 residents, with 75% identifying as Black. The median income is $26,527, which is below the national median. The neighborhood has maintained a consistent racial composition over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, South Town Fork Creek has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." The Black population has remained above 75% throughout this period, decreasing from 88% in 2013 to 75% in 2022. The White population increased from 9% in 2013 to 18% in 2022, and the Hispanic population reached 6% by 2022. The neighborhood has not transitioned to a different diversity category.
The median income in South Town Fork Creek has decreased over the past decade. From $30,709 in 2013, it decreased to $26,527 in 2022, representing a 13.6% drop. The population has remained relatively stable, peaking at 1,500 in 2012 and settling at 1,142 in 2022. This stability, combined with the declining income, indicates that the neighborhood may be experiencing economic challenges without significant demographic turnover.
The persistent "Low Diversity" status of South Town Fork Creek contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced rapid gentrification and diversification, often leading to the displacement of long-term residents. However, this neighborhood appears to be resisting such dramatic changes, maintaining its predominantly Black community structure.
The declining median income in South Town Fork Creek is notable when compared to national trends of slowly rising median incomes over the same period. This suggests that the neighborhood may be facing particular economic challenges or may be part of a broader pattern of economic struggle in similar urban communities across the country.
The slight increase in White and Hispanic populations, while not dramatically altering the neighborhood's diversity classification, may indicate the early stages of a "Transitional Community." If this trend continues, it could lead to more significant demographic shifts in the coming years, potentially moving the neighborhood towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification.
South Town Fork Creek presents a case of demographic stability coupled with economic challenges. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its community composition while facing income decline raises questions about urban development, community resilience, and the relationship between racial demographics and economic trends in American cities.
