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Demographic Transformation in Sunwood Hills: From White Majority to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sunwood Hills, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a White Majority community to a Majority-Minority community with a Hispanic Plurality. In 2013, 75% of the population identified as white. By 2022, the Hispanic population became the largest group at 32%, while the white population decreased to 39%. This shift occurred alongside moderate economic growth, with the median income increasing from $45,430 in 2013 to $53,933 in 2022.
The neighborhood experienced a substantial increase in its Hispanic population, which more than doubled from 14% in 2013 to 32% in 2022. Concurrently, the proportion of white residents decreased from 75% to 39%. Other racial groups, including Native American and Asian populations, also contributed to the increased diversity in Sunwood Hills. The community's transition to a Moderate Diversity status occurred by 2018, with white residents comprising 51% of the population.
Economic trends in Sunwood Hills showed modest growth during this period of demographic change. The median income increase of 18.7% over nine years was relatively slow compared to national averages. The period of most rapid diversification (2018-2022) coincided with a slightly faster rate of income growth. The population of Sunwood Hills remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 147 in 2013 to 172 in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Sunwood Hills align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growth in Hispanic populations and a decrease in white majority neighborhoods over the past decade. However, the rate of change in Sunwood Hills appears to be more pronounced than national averages.
The economic growth in Sunwood Hills, while positive, has been slower than the national average. Between 2013 and 2022, the U.S. median household income grew by approximately 30%, compared to Sunwood Hills' 18.7%. This suggests that while the neighborhood is becoming more diverse, it may be facing some economic challenges or lagging behind in terms of overall economic growth.
Sunwood Hills represents a microcosm of demographic change occurring across many American cities. Its transition from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority community with a Hispanic Plurality reflects broader national trends towards increased diversity. The economic implications of these changes are complex, with modest income growth occurring alongside significant demographic shifts. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these changes impact community cohesion, local services, and economic opportunities for all residents.
