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Demographic Transition in Prairie Hills: A Study of Racial Composition Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Prairie Hills, located in Prairie Village, Kansas, currently exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity with a White Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 6,659 and a median income of $113,253. This affluent suburb is known for its well-maintained parks and high-quality schools, which have historically made it an attractive location for families seeking a suburban lifestyle close to Kansas City.
Over the past decade, Prairie Hills has undergone a subtle but noticeable transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having extremely Low Diversity, with 93% of the population identified as white. By 2022, while still maintaining a White Majority, the community has shown signs of becoming more diverse, albeit slowly. The percentage of white residents decreased to 86%, indicating a gradual shift towards increased diversity.
The most significant changes occurred in the Asian and Hispanic populations. The Asian population grew from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 4% to 5% in the same period. Additionally, the category of "two or more races" emerged and grew to 3% by 2022, suggesting an increase in multiracial families or individuals in the area. These changes suggest that Prairie Hills is in the early stages of becoming a Transitional Community, moving away from its historically homogeneous makeup towards a more diverse population, albeit at a slow pace.
The demographic shifts in Prairie Hills have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. In 2013, the median income was $120,444, and it peaked in 2019 at $125,570. However, by 2022, it had decreased to $113,253. This decline in median income coincides with the increase in racial diversity, which could suggest that the neighborhood is becoming more accessible to a broader range of income levels. The population has grown steadily from 5,027 in 2010 to 6,659 in 2022, a 32% increase. This population growth, combined with the slight decrease in median income and increasing diversity, may indicate that the neighborhood is attracting a wider range of residents, possibly due to factors such as good schools or proximity to urban amenities.
The gradual diversification of Prairie Hills reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. However, the pace of change in this neighborhood appears to be slower than in many other American suburbs. The high median income, even with recent decreases, suggests that Prairie Hills remains an affluent area, which may limit the rate of diversification compared to more affordable suburbs nationwide. The slight decrease in median income, while still remaining well above national averages, could be part of a larger trend seen in some high-income suburbs where increasing diversity is accompanied by a moderation of extreme wealth concentration. This could potentially lead to a more economically diverse community in the future, although the neighborhood remains predominantly affluent for now.
While Prairie Hills is showing signs of transitioning towards greater diversity, it remains a predominantly white, high-income area. The slow pace of change suggests that while the community is becoming more diverse, it may take many years before it could be categorized as having Moderate or High Diversity. The economic and demographic trends indicate a community in the early stages of transition, balancing its historically homogeneous character with gradual moves towards greater inclusivity and diversity.
