Demographic Transition in Keningston Gardens: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Keningston Gardens, a neighborhood in Garland, Texas, currently exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Moderate Diversity" based on established terminology. As of 2022, the community displays a mix of racial groups with no clear majority, but significant representation from multiple groups. The neighborhood has a median income of $122,640 in 2022, indicating an affluent suburban area within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Over the past decade, Keningston Gardens has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having "Low Diversity" with a "White Majority" (78%). By 2022, the community had transitioned to a "Moderate Diversity" status, with no racial group exceeding 50% of the population.
The white population declined from 78% in 2013 to 41% in 2022, while the Asian population grew from 11% to 24% over the same period. The Black population increased from 4% to 17%, and the Hispanic population rose from 5% to 11%. This shift indicates that Keningston Gardens has become a "Transitional Community," moving from a predominantly white neighborhood to one with a more balanced racial mix. The community now exhibits characteristics of a "Majority-Minority" area, where minority groups collectively constitute the majority of the population.
These demographic shifts have coincided with fluctuations in median income. The median income peaked at $134,249 in 2013 when the neighborhood was predominantly white. It then experienced a decline, reaching a low of $90,198 in 2015, before rebounding to $122,640 in 2022. This suggests that the initial phases of demographic transition may have been associated with some economic adjustment, but the neighborhood has since regained its high-income status.
The population of Keningston Gardens has fluctuated over the years, growing from 365 in 2013 to 750 in 2022. This population growth, combined with the maintenance of high median incomes, suggests that the neighborhood has remained attractive to new residents from diverse backgrounds while retaining its economic appeal.
The demographic shifts observed in Keningston Gardens align with broader trends seen in many suburban areas across the United States, particularly those near major metropolitan centers. The increasing diversity in formerly predominantly white suburbs is a phenomenon observed in many parts of the country, often driven by factors such as changing immigration patterns, increased social mobility among minority groups, and the search for better educational opportunities.
The maintenance of high median incomes despite increasing diversity is noteworthy and may indicate that Keningston Gardens has successfully navigated the challenges often associated with rapid demographic change. This could be attributed to factors such as strong local institutions, quality schools, or economic opportunities in the broader Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Keningston Gardens exemplifies a suburban neighborhood in transition, moving from low diversity to moderate diversity while maintaining its economic strength. This evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing suburban diversity and suggests a community that has adapted well to demographic change while preserving its affluent status.
