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Demographic Transition in Lewis Heights: From Black Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lewis Heights, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, has transitioned from a Black Majority to a Moderate Diversity profile between 2013 and 2022. The current racial composition shows an equal distribution of Black and White populations at 45% each. The neighborhood has experienced significant demographic shifts and economic fluctuations over the past decade.
The demographic trends in Lewis Heights can be categorized into three distinct periods. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood maintained a Black Majority, with the Black population consistently above 50% and the White population around 40%. The period from 2017 to 2021 marked a transition, with the Black population remaining the largest group but no longer constituting a majority. By 2022, the neighborhood achieved a Moderate Diversity profile with equal representation of Black and White populations.
Economic trends in Lewis Heights have shown considerable volatility. The median income increased steadily from $30,449 to $35,399 between 2013 and 2015. From 2016 to 2020, the income fluctuated, dropping to $29,065 in 2020. A sharp increase to $39,760 occurred in 2021, followed by a decline to $29,103 in 2022. These economic shifts appear to correlate with the demographic changes observed in the neighborhood.
The demographic changes in Lewis Heights reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the neighborhood's sharp fluctuations in median income suggest local economic challenges that may be more pronounced than national averages. The significant population decline from 1,133 in 2010 to 564 in 2022, combined with income volatility, could indicate broader socioeconomic challenges such as housing issues, job market changes, or shifts in local industry.
The transition to a more balanced racial composition aligns with trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. However, the economic instability evident in the income data suggests that this demographic shift may be accompanied by complex socioeconomic factors that warrant further investigation.
Lewis Heights has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from a predominantly Black neighborhood to one of Moderate Diversity. This shift, coupled with volatile economic indicators, presents a community in transition, facing both the opportunities and challenges that come with demographic change in an urban setting.
