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Demographic Transitions in Westview: Analyzing Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Westview neighborhood in Olathe, Kansas, exhibits characteristics of a White Majority community with an expanding Hispanic population. As of 2022, the neighborhood's median income is $70,844, representing a substantial increase over the past decade. Westview's proximity to the Olathe Medical Center is a notable feature that may influence its demographic and economic profile.
Over the past decade, Westview has experienced significant demographic changes. In 2013, it was classified as a White Majority community with 63% of the population identifying as white. By 2019, it had transitioned to a Majority-Minority status, with the white population decreasing to 51%. This trend temporarily reversed in 2020-2022, reverting to a White Majority, albeit with a narrower margin (59% in 2022).
The Hispanic population has demonstrated steady growth, increasing from 28% in 2013 to 37% in 2022, indicating a Transitional Community status. The Black population has fluctuated, reaching a peak of 9% in 2020 but declining to 2% in 2022. These shifts suggest a dynamic demographic landscape, trending towards increased diversity over time.
The median income in Westview has experienced substantial growth, rising from $54,134 in 2013 to $70,844 in 2022, a 30.9% increase. This economic improvement correlates with the demographic shifts, particularly the growth in the Hispanic population. The years 2020 and 2021 saw a significant increase in median income, coinciding with a temporary rise in the Black population percentage.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. The most notable change was a population increase from 5,724 in 2016 to 6,867 in 2018, which coincided with a period of increasing diversity and rising median income.
The demographic shifts in Westview reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population aligns with national patterns of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities and suburbs. The economic improvements seen in Westview, especially the sharp increase in median income from 2019 to 2020, outpace national averages and may be indicative of local economic factors, possibly related to the healthcare industry given the neighborhood's proximity to the Olathe Medical Center.
The transition towards a more diverse community, coupled with rising incomes, suggests that Westview may be experiencing a period of economic growth and demographic change typical of evolving suburban areas. This could be attracting a more diverse, higher-income population while potentially raising concerns about gentrification and affordability for long-term residents.
Westview represents a dynamic suburban neighborhood in transition, balancing between its historical White Majority status and an increasingly diverse future. The economic growth alongside demographic shifts presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and development in the coming years.
