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Demographic Trends in University Park: A Study of Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
University Park, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is categorized as "Low Diversity" with a predominant Black majority. As of 2022, the Black population constitutes 68% of the neighborhood, while other racial groups have smaller representations. The median income in 2022 was $18,269, below the national average. University Park is home to the University of Tulsa.
Over the past decade, University Park has undergone a transition from a neighborhood with an overwhelming Black majority to one showing signs of increasing diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Low Diversity" with an 85% Black population. By 2022, while still in the "Low Diversity" category, the Black population had decreased to 68%, indicating a shift towards greater diversity.
The most notable changes include a decrease in the Black population from 85% in 2013 to 68% in 2022, an increase in the White population from 9% to 15%, the emergence of a Hispanic population, growing from 0% to 6%, and an increase in the Native American population from 1% to 5%. These shifts suggest that University Park is slowly transitioning towards a more diverse community.
The median income in University Park has fluctuated over the years but has generally remained low. In 2013, it was $17,977, and by 2022 it had increased to $18,269. This minimal growth in income, when adjusted for inflation, represents a decrease in real purchasing power for residents.
The periods of slightly higher median income (2020-2021) coincide with the acceleration of demographic shifts, particularly the increase in Hispanic and Native American populations. This could suggest that these new residents might be bringing different economic opportunities or skills to the neighborhood.
The demographic shifts observed in University Park align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The pace of change in this neighborhood appears slower than in many other urban centers across the U.S. The persistent low median income falls below both the national and Oklahoma state median incomes.
The presence of the University of Tulsa in the neighborhood likely contributes to the gradual increase in diversity, as universities often attract a more diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. However, the low median income suggests that many residents may be students or that the economic benefits of the university have not yet significantly impacted the broader neighborhood economy.
University Park is showing signs of increasing diversity, yet remains a predominantly Black, low-income neighborhood. The slow pace of demographic change and stagnant economic conditions suggest that targeted economic development initiatives and community programs might be necessary to foster greater diversity and improve economic outcomes for all residents.
