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Oak Park Southeast: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends in a Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oak Park Southeast, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, exhibits a demographic profile characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong Black Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,341 with a median income of $43,986. This area holds historical significance in Kansas City's African American community and was a center for civil rights activism in the mid-20th century.
Over the past decade, Oak Park Southeast has maintained its status as a predominantly Black neighborhood, consistently categorized as "Low Diversity". The Black population constituted 70% of the neighborhood in 2013, indicating a "Racial Majority". This majority strengthened over time, reaching 94% in 2018 before declining to 75% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown a gradual increase from 2% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has also slightly increased, suggesting the beginnings of a "Transitional Community" at a slow pace.
The White population has fluctuated between 2% and 10% over the decade, showing no clear trend. Other racial groups, including Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander, have maintained negligible representation throughout the period.
The median income in Oak Park Southeast has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. It started at $34,464 in 2013, increased significantly to $61,534 in 2018, dropped to $38,801 in 2019, rose again to $60,191 in 2020, and most recently stands at $43,986 in 2022. These economic fluctuations do not show a clear correlation with the demographic shifts. The periods of highest income coincide with the highest percentage of Black residents, suggesting that the neighborhood's economic fortunes are not necessarily tied to increased diversity.
The demographic profile of Oak Park Southeast contrasts with broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. While many U.S. cities have seen growing Hispanic and Asian populations and a decline in the proportion of Black residents in historically Black neighborhoods, Oak Park Southeast has maintained its strong Black majority.
The income volatility observed in Oak Park Southeast is not uncommon in urban neighborhoods experiencing economic transitions. However, the magnitude of the swings is notable and may reflect specific local economic events or policies.
Oak Park Southeast presents a case of demographic stability in terms of its racial composition, maintaining its status as a predominantly Black neighborhood with low diversity. Subtle increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations hint at the potential for future demographic shifts. Economically, the neighborhood has experienced significant fluctuations, suggesting a complex interplay of local and broader economic factors not directly tied to its racial composition.
