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Demographic Transition in Saint Thomas Square: From White Plurality to Black Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Saint Thomas Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is characterized as a Moderate Diversity community with a Black Plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population was 4,105, with a median income of $25,785. The area has historical significance in Tulsa's Black community and has undergone significant demographic changes in recent years.
Over the past decade, Saint Thomas Square has transitioned from a community with a White Plurality to one with a Black Plurality, indicative of a Transitional Community. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Plurality (42%) with significant Black representation (26%). By 2022, this shifted to a Black Plurality (37%) with White representation declining to 32%.
The neighborhood has consistently maintained Moderate Diversity throughout the period, with two or three racial groups having significant representation. The Hispanic population fluctuated, peaking at 15% in 2020-2021 before declining to 10% in 2022. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 11% in 2013 to 15% in 2022, contributing to the area's diversity.
The median income in Saint Thomas Square has shown volatility over the past decade. From $19,339 in 2015, it rose to $37,057 in 2021, before dropping to $25,785 in 2022. This economic instability coincides with the demographic shifts. The population has fluctuated, decreasing from 4,428 in 2010 to 3,424 in 2019, before rebounding to 4,105 in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Saint Thomas Square reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically white-majority neighborhoods are becoming more diverse. The increase in the Black population percentage and the growing multiracial community align with national trends of increasing diversity in urban centers.
The economic volatility experienced in Saint Thomas Square, particularly the sharp decline in median income from 2021 to 2022, may be more pronounced than national averages. This could indicate localized economic challenges or rapid changes in the neighborhood's socioeconomic makeup.
The transition to a Black Plurality neighborhood is significant in the context of Tulsa's history, including the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and subsequent periods of racial tension and urban renewal. This shift may represent a reclaiming of urban space by the Black community, though the economic fluctuations suggest that this transition comes with both opportunities and challenges.
Saint Thomas Square exemplifies a neighborhood in flux, balancing increasing racial diversity with economic instability. Monitoring how these demographic and economic trends interact will be crucial for understanding the neighborhood's future trajectory and needs.
