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Demographic Transition in North Blue Ridge: From White Majority to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Blue Ridge, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from a White Majority community to a Majority-Minority community with a Hispanic Plurality. In 2013, the white population constituted 57% of the neighborhood. By 2022, the demographic composition shifted to 49% Hispanic and 38% White. This change exemplifies a Transitional Community, with the Hispanic population increasing from 35% in 2013 to 49% in 2022.
The Black population in North Blue Ridge fluctuated between 2% and 11% during this period, while the Asian population remained consistently between 1-3%. The emergence of a "Two or More Races" category, reaching 4% in 2021, further indicates the neighborhood's increasing diversity. These demographic shifts coincided with changes in median income. In 2013, when the area was predominantly white, the median income was $24,437. The income fluctuated over the years, reaching a low of $18,391 in 2015 before gradually increasing to a peak of $34,023 in 2021. The most recent data for 2022 shows a slight decrease to $30,231.
The population of North Blue Ridge grew significantly, increasing from 727 in 2010 to 1,179 in 2022, representing a 62% growth. This population increase, combined with the rising diversity, suggests that North Blue Ridge has become an attractive location for new residents, particularly within the Hispanic community. Despite the demographic changes, the neighborhood has maintained a modest but generally upward trend in median income, indicating a degree of economic resilience during this transition.
The demographic shift observed in North Blue Ridge aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growth in their Hispanic populations over the past decade, often accompanied by a decrease in the white population percentage. However, the scale and speed of change in North Blue Ridge are notable.
The economic trajectory of North Blue Ridge, with its modest but generally upward trend in median income despite significant demographic changes, is somewhat unique. In many transitioning neighborhoods, rapid demographic shifts can sometimes lead to economic instability. The fact that North Blue Ridge has maintained and even slightly improved its economic standing during this transition suggests a degree of resilience and integration within the changing community.
It is important to note that while the median income has increased, it remains significantly below the national median, which was approximately $70,000 in 2022. This indicates that while the neighborhood is experiencing positive change, it still faces economic challenges typical of many urban areas undergoing demographic transitions.
North Blue Ridge presents a case study of a neighborhood in transition. Its evolution from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority community with a Hispanic Plurality, coupled with population growth and modest economic improvements, reflects broader urban demographic trends while also demonstrating unique local dynamics of integration and community resilience.
