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Demographic Transition in Capitol Campus: From Black Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Capitol Campus, a neighborhood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, currently presents a demographic profile categorized as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the African American population comprises 57% of the neighborhood. This neighborhood is experiencing a gradual shift towards increased diversity. The median income in 2022 was $28,854, which is below the national median household income. The neighborhood is home to several state government buildings and offices.
Over the past decade, Capitol Campus has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had an 82% Black majority. By 2022, while still maintaining a "Black Majority" status, the community has shifted towards greater diversity. The percentage of Black residents decreased to 57%, while the White population increased to 27%, and the Hispanic population grew to 8%. The most significant changes occurred between 2019 and 2021, where the Black population declined from 66% to 55%, while other racial groups saw notable increases.
The demographic shifts in Capitol Campus correlate with fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $24,147 to $28,854, representing a 19.5% increase. This growth has not been steady. The neighborhood experienced a dip in median income in 2015 ($21,384) before rebounding and reaching its peak in 2019 ($29,748). The periods of most rapid diversification (2019-2021) coincide with a slight decrease in median income, dropping from $29,748 to $25,689.
The population of Capitol Campus has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 3,623 in 2014 and declining to 2,901 by 2022. This population decrease, coupled with increasing diversity, might indicate changing housing patterns or economic opportunities in the area.
The demographic shifts observed in Capitol Campus align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar patterns of traditionally African American neighborhoods becoming more diverse over time. The rate of change in Capitol Campus appears to be more rapid than the national average.
The economic challenges faced by Capitol Campus, with median incomes below the national average, are not uncommon in neighborhoods undergoing significant demographic transitions. Similar patterns have been observed in other urban areas across the United States, where changing demographics often precede economic revitalization, though this process can take several years to fully materialize.
Capitol Campus is a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly African American community towards a more diverse composition. While still maintaining a Black majority, the rapid increases in White and Hispanic populations suggest a continuing trend towards greater diversity. These demographic shifts, coupled with fluctuating economic indicators, indicate a community in flux, likely influenced by its proximity to government offices and broader urban development trends in Oklahoma City.
