Loading Content...
Demographic Transitions in Meadowlark Neighborhood: White Majority and Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Meadowlark neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, exhibits a White Majority population, with 61% identifying as white in 2022. This represents a decrease from 75% in 2013, indicating a shift towards increased diversity. The median income in Meadowlark was $61,276 in 2022, slightly above the national median household income. The neighborhood's proximity to Wichita State University likely influences its demographic and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Meadowlark has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to one approaching Moderate Diversity. The Hispanic population increased from 14% in 2013 to 16% in 2022, while those identifying as two or more races grew from 3% to 10%. These changes suggest a Transitional Community moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in Meadowlark have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $54,439 to $61,276, representing a growth of about 12.6%. This increase outpaced inflation over the same period, indicating a real improvement in economic conditions.
The years of greatest demographic change (2015-2018) coincided with a period of income volatility. The median income peaked at $56,227 in 2015 before declining to $51,506 in 2017, then rebounding and growing steadily thereafter. This pattern suggests that economic factors may have played a role in driving demographic changes.
The demographic shifts observed in Meadowlark align with broader national trends towards increasing diversity, particularly in urban and suburban areas. The growth in the Hispanic and multiracial populations reflects similar patterns seen across many U.S. cities. However, the retention of a White Majority sets Meadowlark apart from some more rapidly diversifying urban neighborhoods.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory, with its overall upward trend in median income, suggests a degree of economic resilience and attractiveness. This could be partly attributed to its proximity to Wichita State University, which may provide a stabilizing economic influence through employment opportunities and a steady influx of students and faculty.
Meadowlark exemplifies a community in transition, moving from Low Diversity towards Moderate Diversity while maintaining a relatively stable economic foundation. The interplay between demographic changes and economic fluctuations points to a dynamic neighborhood adapting to broader societal shifts, likely influenced by its unique position near a major university in a mid-sized American city.
