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Demographic Transition in Murdock Neighborhood: Black Plurality to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Murdock neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, exhibits a Majority-Minority demographic composition with a Black Plurality as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 1,639 and a median income of $27,580. This area has undergone demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly Black community to a more diverse one, with persistent economic challenges.
In 2013, Murdock was categorized as having a Racial Majority, with the Black population comprising 69% of residents. Over the next decade, the neighborhood transitioned to a Majority-Minority status. By 2022, the Black population decreased to 41%, while the Hispanic population grew from 13% in 2013 to 32% in 2022. The White population increased from 11% in 2013 to 18% in 2022, and the Asian population grew from 2% to 4%. This evolution indicates a trend towards Moderate Diversity.
The demographic shifts in Murdock correlate with fluctuating economic conditions. The median income rose from $19,884 in 2013 to $27,580 in 2022, an increase of about 39%. This growth was not linear. The community experienced economic volatility, with the median income dropping to $18,742 in 2014 before rising again. The increasing diversity, particularly the growth in the Hispanic population, coincides with periods of economic improvement.
The demographic shifts in Murdock reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population mirrors nationwide patterns of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities. Murdock's transition from a predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse one may reflect local economic and social factors specific to Wichita or Kansas.
Despite the increase in median income, Murdock's economic status remains challenging. The 2022 median income of $27,580 is significantly below the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2021. This suggests that while the neighborhood is becoming more diverse, it continues to face economic hurdles common to many urban areas undergoing demographic transitions.
The population fluctuations over the decade, with numbers ranging from a low of 1,491 in 2011 to a high of 1,794 in 2021, indicate a dynamic community experiencing both in-migration and out-migration. This population mobility likely contributes to the changing racial composition and may be influenced by factors such as housing affordability, job opportunities, or community services.
Murdock exemplifies a Transitional Community, evolving from a Racial Majority to a Majority-Minority neighborhood with increasing diversity. While this transition correlates with some economic improvements, the area still faces significant economic challenges compared to national averages. The neighborhood's journey reflects the interplay between demographic change and economic development in urban America.
