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Young's Park: A Study of Low Diversity and Racial Demographics in an Overland Park Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Young's Park, a neighborhood in Overland Park, Kansas, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a predominantly White population (84% in 2022). The neighborhood has experienced economic growth in recent years, with median income rising from $53,481 in 2018 to $90,825 in 2022. This community of 498 residents in 2022 is known for its suburban environment and proximity to local parks.
Over the past decade, Young's Park has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community, with the White population remaining the dominant racial group. There have been shifts in the racial composition. From 2013 to 2016, there was an increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 5% to 24%. Post-2016, the Hispanic population fluctuated, dropping to 9% in 2017 before rising again to 12% in 2022. The Asian population has maintained a consistent 2% representation since 2019. The neighborhood has seen virtually no representation from Black, Native American, or Pacific Islander populations throughout the observed period.
The economic landscape of Young's Park has undergone changes, particularly in recent years. From 2013 to 2018, the median income remained relatively stable, fluctuating between $52,045 and $59,266. A significant increase occurred from 2018 to 2019, with median income rising from $53,481 to $84,748. This upward trend continued, reaching $90,825 in 2022.
These economic shifts correlate with the demographic changes. The period of increased Hispanic population (2013-2016) coincided with a slight decrease in median income. The subsequent decrease in Hispanic representation and increase in White population percentage aligned with the rise in median income from 2018 onwards. This suggests a potential relationship between the neighborhood's racial composition and its economic prosperity.
The trends observed in Young's Park reflect broader national patterns. The persistent Low Diversity status of Young's Park contrasts with the increasing diversity seen in many American suburbs over the past decade. The income growth from 2018 to 2022 outpaces the national average income growth rate, suggesting that Young's Park has experienced accelerated economic development compared to many other U.S. neighborhoods. The fluctuation in Hispanic population, followed by a return to a predominantly White community, may indicate a broader trend of demographic shifts in suburban areas.
Young's Park presents a case of a neighborhood that has maintained its Low Diversity status while experiencing economic growth. This combination of demographic stability and economic change raises questions about the factors driving neighborhood development and the long-term implications for community diversity and inclusivity in suburban America.
