Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Beacon Hills: From Racial Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Beacon Hills, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibits demographic characteristics of a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 1,378 and a median income of $36,669. Beacon Hills has experienced significant population growth over the past decade, increasing from 602 residents in 2015 to 1,378 in 2022. This growth, combined with its diverse racial composition, indicates a neighborhood in transition.
At the beginning of the decade, Beacon Hills displayed characteristics of a "Racial Majority" community, with the Black population consistently above 60% from 2013 to 2016. A gradual shift occurred, transforming the neighborhood into a "Majority-Minority" area by 2019. This transition is marked by a decrease in the Black population from 66% in 2013 to 47% in 2022, while other racial groups, particularly Hispanic and White populations, increased.
The neighborhood has moved towards "Moderate Diversity" in recent years. By 2022, three racial groups (Black at 47%, White at 28%, and Hispanic at 13%) each represented significant portions of the population. This shift suggests a trend towards increasing diversity, potentially categorizing Beacon Hills as a "Transitional Community."
The demographic shifts in Beacon Hills correlate with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2020, the median income showed modest growth, rising from $25,874 to $34,225. 2021 saw a spike to $64,053, followed by a return to previous levels in 2022 at $36,669. The overall trend of increasing diversity coincides with a general upward trend in median income, suggesting that the influx of new residents may be contributing to economic growth in the area.
The demographic shifts observed in Beacon Hills align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from predominantly single-race communities to more diverse neighborhoods, often driven by factors such as immigration, urban renewal projects, and changing preferences among younger generations for diverse, urban living environments.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the significant income spike in 2021, may reflect broader economic trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the return to pre-spike levels in 2022 suggests that the neighborhood's economic trajectory remains consistent with its long-term trend.
Beacon Hills exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly Black community to a more diverse, majority-minority area. This demographic evolution, coupled with population growth and generally increasing median incomes, points to a neighborhood experiencing urban renewal and attracting a more diverse population. These changes likely bring both opportunities and challenges for long-term residents and newcomers alike, as the community adapts to its evolving identity and economic landscape.
