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Oak Park Northwest: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Kansas City
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oak Park Northwest, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority". As of 2022, the Black population comprises 81% of the neighborhood, classifying it as a "Black Majority" area. The neighborhood has experienced economic changes over the past decade, with median income showing an overall upward trend. Oak Park Northwest has maintained its predominantly Black population despite broader trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas across the United States.
Over the past decade, Oak Park Northwest has consistently remained a "Black Majority" community, falling under the "Low Diversity" category. The Black population percentage has decreased from 92% in 2013 to 81% in 2022, indicating a gradual shift towards increased diversity. The White population grew from 2% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 1% to 5% during the same period. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 0% in 2013 to 7% in 2022.
The median income in Oak Park Northwest has shown fluctuation over the past decade, with an overall upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $19,294, and by 2022 it had increased to $28,894, representing a 49.7% increase. The population of the neighborhood has decreased from 3,169 in 2013 to 2,541 in 2022, a decline of about 19.8%. This population decrease, coupled with the increase in median income, suggests a possible gentrification process or changing economic opportunities within the area.
The economic improvements correlate with the slight increase in racial diversity, potentially indicating that the neighborhood is attracting a more diverse population as economic conditions improve. However, the persistent Black majority suggests that these changes are occurring gradually and have not yet led to a significant demographic shift.
The demographic trends in Oak Park Northwest contrast with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. While many U.S. cities have seen rapid diversification and transitions to "Majority-Minority" status, Oak Park Northwest has maintained its status as a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The income growth in the neighborhood, while significant, still leaves the median income well below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that while economic conditions are improving, the neighborhood still faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
The persistence of a strong Black majority in Oak Park Northwest, despite economic changes and slight increases in diversity, may indicate strong community ties and cultural significance of the neighborhood for its Black residents. This stability in racial composition, even as the neighborhood experiences some economic growth, presents a case study in community resilience and the complex interplay between racial demographics and economic development in urban areas.
