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Demographic Transition in Mount Hope: From Black Majority to Increasing Hispanic Presence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Mount Hope, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with emerging Hispanic influence. As of 2022, the neighborhood is categorized as Moderate Diversity, with a Black population of 65% and a Hispanic presence of 21%. The median income of $31,520 in 2022 reflects a modest economic status. Mount Hope has a small population, which has fluctuated around 300 residents over the past decade.
Over the past decade, Mount Hope has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by Low Diversity, with a Black Majority of 82%. By 2022, the community had transitioned to Moderate Diversity. This shift is primarily due to the increase in the Hispanic population, which grew from virtually non-existent in 2013 to 21% in 2022.
The neighborhood can be classified as a Transitional Community, particularly evident from 2018 to 2022. During this time, the Hispanic population increased from 5% to 21%, while the Black population decreased from 77% to 65%. This transition appears to have stabilized somewhat in recent years, maintaining a Black Majority but with a significant Hispanic minority.
The demographic shifts in Mount Hope correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $15,667, which increased to $31,520 by 2022. This economic improvement coincides with the increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 250 and 350 residents throughout the decade. This suggests that the demographic changes are likely due to population turnover rather than significant influxes of new residents.
The demographic shifts in Mount Hope reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods. Many cities across the United States have experienced growing Hispanic populations and a decline in historically Black neighborhoods. Mount Hope's transition appears more pronounced than national averages, given the significant change in such a small community over a relatively short period.
The economic improvement in Mount Hope, while substantial in percentage terms, still leaves the neighborhood well below national median income levels. This suggests that while diversity has increased and incomes have improved, the community still faces economic challenges typical of many urban neighborhoods undergoing demographic transitions.
Mount Hope exemplifies a Transitional Community, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over the past decade. The correlation between increased diversity and improved median income suggests potential economic benefits of this demographic shift. However, the community's relatively low income levels indicate ongoing socio-economic challenges that may require targeted support and development initiatives.
