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Demographic Transitions in Crescent Heights: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Crescent Heights, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrates moderate diversity with a transitional community character. As of 2022, the neighborhood lacks a clear racial majority, with the white population at 39% and Hispanic population at 36%, followed by a Black population at 11%. The median income of $33,350 in 2022 indicates a working-class community. Crescent Heights has experienced a notable increase in its Asian population in recent years, suggesting changing dynamics in this historically diverse area of Tulsa.
Over the past decade, Crescent Heights has undergone significant demographic changes, transitioning from a Hispanic plurality community to a more balanced, moderately diverse neighborhood. In 2013, the area had a Hispanic plurality, with 44% of the population identifying as Hispanic. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 36%, while the white population increased from 38% to 39%. The Black population fluctuated, peaking at 20% in 2018 before declining to 11% in 2022. The Asian population increased to 7% in 2022, indicating a potential new trend in the neighborhood's composition.
These shifts suggest that Crescent Heights is becoming increasingly diverse, moving away from a clear Hispanic plurality towards a more balanced racial composition. This trend aligns with the "Transitional Community" category, as significant changes in racial makeup are evident over the past five years.
The demographic shifts in Crescent Heights correlate with changes in median income. The median income peaked in 2015 at $38,435 but has since declined to $33,350 in 2022, a decrease of about 13%. This economic downturn coincides with the period of increasing diversity in the neighborhood. The population of Crescent Heights has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 1,300 and 1,500 residents. This suggests that the demographic changes are likely due to population turnover rather than significant influxes or exoduses of specific groups.
The trends observed in Crescent Heights reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increasing diversity and the shift away from a clear racial majority or plurality is consistent with national trends towards more multiethnic communities, especially in urban centers. However, the economic decline observed in Crescent Heights contrasts with the general trend of economic growth seen in many U.S. cities over the past decade. This suggests that local factors in Tulsa or specific to Crescent Heights may be influencing the neighborhood's economic trajectory.
The sudden increase in the Asian population is noteworthy and may be part of a larger trend of Asian immigration or internal migration to mid-sized cities in the United States. This could be driven by factors such as more affordable housing compared to larger coastal cities or emerging economic opportunities in the area. Crescent Heights exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, both demographically and economically. As it moves towards greater diversity, the community faces challenges related to economic stability. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these demographic shifts will lead to economic revitalization or further challenges for this evolving Tulsa neighborhood.
