Demographic Transition in Atkinson Heights: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends

CATEGORY

Demographics

DATA

Population

Median Income

Racial Distributions

DATA SOURCE

United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)

Atkinson Heights, a neighborhood in Midwest City, Oklahoma, is characterized as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 70% of residents, with Black and Hispanic groups representing 10% and 9% respectively. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 is $39,423, which is below the national median. The population of Atkinson Heights has remained stable at approximately 5,000 residents over the past decade.

Over the past decade, Atkinson Heights has transitioned from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community. In 2013, the white population constituted 78% of residents, decreasing to 70% by 2022. Concurrently, other racial groups, particularly Black and Hispanic populations, increased. The most significant changes occurred between 2019 and 2022, with the Black population increasing from 8% to 10%, the Hispanic population rising from 6% to 9%, and the Asian population doubling from 1% to 2%. These shifts indicate a Transitional Community with a trend towards increasing diversity.

The economic trajectory of Atkinson Heights has been variable over the past decade. The median income increased from $34,977 in 2013 to $42,779 in 2019, before declining to $39,423 in 2022. This fluctuation correlates with demographic shifts, with income growth coinciding with gradual diversity increase from 2013 to 2019, and income decline occurring alongside rapid diversification from 2019 to 2022. This pattern suggests the neighborhood may be attracting lower-income families from diverse backgrounds.

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The trends in Atkinson Heights align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods. However, the economic trends in Atkinson Heights, particularly the recent decline in median income, may be more pronounced than national averages.

The neighborhood's median income of $39,423 in 2022 is significantly below the national median household income of approximately $70,784 (as of 2021). This disparity indicates that Atkinson Heights faces economic challenges and may be sensitive to economic pressures.

Atkinson Heights exemplifies a community in transition, moving towards greater diversity while experiencing economic challenges. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader national trends of suburban diversification but with more pronounced economic fluctuations. The ongoing transition may impact community cohesion, local services, and overall quality of life for residents.

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