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Richland Hills, Waco: Shift to Moderate Diversity and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Richland Hills, a neighborhood in Waco, Texas, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 5,105 and a median income of $34,354. Richland Hills is located near Baylor University.
Over the past decade, Richland Hills has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Plurality, with white residents comprising 38% of the population and Black residents 35%. By 2022, the neighborhood shifted to a Moderate Diversity classification, with white (40%), Hispanic (30%), and Black (27%) populations more evenly distributed.
The Hispanic representation grew from 25% in 2013 to 30% in 2022, while the Black population decreased from 35% to 27% during the same period. The white population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 38% and 43% throughout the decade.
The demographic shifts in Richland Hills have been accompanied by economic changes. The median income in the neighborhood increased from $24,540 in 2013 to $34,354 in 2022, representing a 40% growth over the decade. This economic improvement coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The population decreased slightly from 6,096 in 2013 to 5,105 in 2022.
The trends observed in Richland Hills align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have seen growth in Hispanic populations and a decline in the proportion of Black residents in certain neighborhoods, often accompanied by rising property values and incomes.
The proximity to Baylor University likely influences the neighborhood's demographic and economic evolution. University areas often attract a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff, which can contribute to both increased diversity and economic growth.
Richland Hills has evolved from a neighborhood with a White Plurality to one of Moderate Diversity over the past decade. This shift has been accompanied by economic growth, as evidenced by the rising median income. These changes reflect broader urban trends and are likely influenced by the neighborhood's proximity to a major university, shaping it into a more diverse and economically vibrant community.
