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Demographic Transition in North Riverside: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North Riverside, a neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population constitutes 60% of the neighborhood, with a Hispanic presence at 30%. The median income in 2022 was $53,511. North Riverside is located near the Arkansas River.
Over the past decade, North Riverside has transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the white population was 70% and Hispanics were 24%. By 2022, the Hispanic population had grown to 30%, peaking at 34% in 2018-2020. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races, Asian, and Black has also gradually increased. The Native American population has maintained a small presence throughout the decade.
The median income in North Riverside has fluctuated over the years. It showed an upward trend from 2013 to 2017, followed by a decline and then a recovery. The highest median income was $58,174 in 2021, while the lowest in recent years was $53,511 in 2022. The periods of increasing diversity (2013-2018) coincided with overall income growth. The slight decrease in diversity from 2020 to 2022 corresponded with a dip in median income.
The population of North Riverside has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. This stability, combined with the changing racial composition, suggests that the demographic shifts are likely due to both natural population changes and migration patterns.
The trends observed in North Riverside reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced growth in Hispanic populations and increases in multiracial identifications. The economic fluctuations also reflect national trends, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on incomes and employment.
North Riverside's transition has been more gradual compared to some rapidly diversifying urban areas, maintaining a White Majority status throughout the decade. This suggests a more stable community undergoing steady change rather than rapid demographic upheaval.
The neighborhood's proximity to the Arkansas River may play a role in its attractiveness to diverse populations, potentially offering recreational amenities and influencing property values. This geographic feature may contribute to the area's ability to maintain a relatively stable population and gradual demographic shifts.
North Riverside exemplifies a community in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over a decade. This shift, coupled with fluctuating but generally stable economic indicators, demonstrates a neighborhood gradually adapting to changing demographics while maintaining its core character. The interplay between racial composition changes and economic trends suggests a complex relationship between diversity and community prosperity.
