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Demographic Transition in ZIP Code 64863: From White Majority to Hispanic Plurality
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
ZIP code 64863 in Southwest City, Missouri, transitioned from a white majority to a majority-minority community between 2013 and 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 41% to 52%, while the white population decreased from 54% to 34%. This demographic shift occurred alongside fluctuations in median income and population.
The community experienced periods of moderate diversity between 2015 and 2020, with white and Hispanic groups each representing over 20% of the population. By 2021-2022, the area had clearly transitioned to a majority-minority status, with minority groups collectively constituting over 60% of the population.
Median income in Southwest City showed volatility over the reported period. From 2013 to 2015, there was a decline from $35,541 to $29,363. From 2015 onwards, the community experienced a general upward trend in median income, reaching $42,166 in 2022. This represents an overall increase of about 18.6% from 2013 to 2022, despite fluctuations.
The period of most significant income growth (2015-2020) coincides with the transition from a white majority to a more diverse community. This suggests that increased diversity may have contributed to economic growth, possibly through new businesses, cultural enrichment, or expanded labor force diversity.
The population of Southwest City fluctuated over the decade, peaking at 1,642 in 2011 and reaching a low of 1,166 in 2021. The most recent data for 2022 shows a population of 1,299, indicating a recent uptick. These population changes, coupled with demographic shifts, suggest a dynamic community experiencing both in- and out-migration.
The demographic shift observed in Southwest City aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity, particularly growth in Hispanic populations in many parts of the United States. The income growth, while positive, has not kept pace with national averages. This could indicate that while the community is becoming more diverse and experiencing some economic improvement, it may still face challenges in achieving parity with broader economic trends.
Southwest City has undergone a significant demographic transformation over the past decade, evolving from a white-majority community to a majority-minority area with a strong Hispanic presence. This shift has occurred alongside moderate economic growth, suggesting a community in transition that may be leveraging its increasing diversity for economic development. The volatility in population and income figures indicates that this transition is ongoing and may present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and economic stability in the coming years.
