Located on the southeast side of the City of Wichita, Hilltop is a densely concentrated neighborhood with a unique and interesting history. The area's boundaries are Oliver to the East, Broadview to the West, Harry to the South, and Lincoln to the North. Based on 1990 Census information, the Hilltop area has a 10.51% unemployment rate compared to the city average of 5.86%. The median income of $15,518 is well below the city-wide median income of $28,024. The percentage of people living below the poverty level is 57% compared to 8% city-wide; and the percentage of low and moderate income households is 77% compared to 32% for the city as a whole. Census data indicated that 51% of the total dwelling units are renter occupied; 37% of units city-wide are renter-occupied.

Characteristic attached housing in Hilltop Manor, the 400-unit development constructed in 1941.

The seemingly balanced proportion of rentals vs. owner-occupied units is skewed by the physical conditions and general ownership of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is divided into two broad areas: the west end of the neighborhood consists of parcels individually owned by private individuals; the east end of the neighborhood is a cooperative where homeowners do not actually own their units, but own 1/400 of the cooperative. As expected, over the years the distinction has been exaggerated by discrepancies in property maintenance and in the predominance of rental units. Ownership opportunities are highly affordable in both areas of the neighborhood; however, the concentration of owner occupancy is significantly higher to the east in Hilltop Manor. A fence now divides the two sides of the neighborhood to prevent trespassing. This is a clear symbol that cooperation and participation between the two areas are lacking.