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River Market Neighborhood: White Majority and Evolving Demographics
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
River Market, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, is characterized as a White Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 76% of residents. The neighborhood experienced significant population growth from 1,369 residents in 2010 to 2,660 in 2022. This growth coincided with an increase in median income from $51,617 in 2013 to $73,523 in 2022.
River Market has maintained its status as a White Majority community throughout the analyzed period. The percentage of Black residents decreased from 14% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 5% in 2013 to 8% in 2020, before settling at 4% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from less than 1% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The Asian population has remained relatively constant at around 4% throughout the decade.
The demographic shifts in River Market correlate with economic changes. The median income increased from $51,617 in 2013 to a peak of $79,300 in 2019, before decreasing to $73,523 in 2022. The neighborhood's population nearly doubled from 2010 to 2022, indicating strong demand for housing in the area. The increase in median income coincides with the decrease in the Black population and the increase in multi-racial residents.
The trends observed in River Market align with broader patterns of urban gentrification seen in many U.S. cities over the past decade. The significant increase in median income and the shift in racial composition are common features of gentrifying neighborhoods. The growth in the multi-racial population reflects a national trend, as the U.S. Census Bureau reported a 276% increase in the multi-racial population between 2010 and 2020.
The neighborhood's economic growth outpaces the national average, with median income rising by approximately 42% between 2013 and 2022, compared to the U.S. median household income growth of about 30% during a similar period. This above-average growth suggests that River Market has become an increasingly desirable and affluent area within Kansas City.
River Market exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, balancing its historical White Majority status with emerging diversity and significant economic growth. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and affordability, as the neighborhood continues to evolve in the coming years.
