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Demographic Analysis of Anniston, Alabama: Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Anniston, Alabama, as of 2022, is categorized as a city with Moderate Diversity. The racial composition shows a nearly even split between Black (45%) and White (47%) populations, with small Hispanic (4%) and multiracial (2%) communities. This demographic makeup, combined with a median income of $46,717 and a population of 24,117, indicates a small city facing economic challenges while experiencing gradual demographic shifts.
Over the past decade, Anniston has maintained its status as a Moderately Diverse community, with subtle changes. In 2013, the city was close to being classified as a Black Plurality, with the Black population at 46% and the White population at 48%. By 2022, these percentages had slightly reversed, with the White population maintaining a small plurality at 47% and the Black population at 45%. The most notable demographic shift has been the increase in the Hispanic population, growing from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. This trend, along with the consistent 2% representation of multiracial individuals, suggests that Anniston is slowly transitioning towards greater diversity.
The city has experienced an increase in median income, rising from $36,737 in 2013 to $46,717 in 2022, a 27% increase. This economic improvement coincides with a gradual population decline, from 26,688 in 2013 to 24,117 in 2022. The inverse relationship between population decrease and income increase could suggest a complex interplay of factors, such as outmigration of lower-income residents or economic improvements benefiting those who remained.
Anniston's demographic trends align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in small to mid-sized cities. The growth in the Hispanic population reflects wider trends of Hispanic population growth across the United States. The economic improvements, while significant, may still leave Anniston behind national median income levels.
Based on the observed trends, Anniston is likely to continue its trajectory towards increased diversity. If current trends persist, the city might transition into a High Diversity category within the next decade. This transition would be marked by continued growth of the Hispanic population, potentially reaching 6-8% by 2032; possible increase in the multiracial category; and further equalization of the Black and White populations, potentially reaching near parity.
Economically, if the trend of increasing median income continues, Anniston could see further improvements in its economic status. However, the declining population trend is a concern that could impact future economic growth and diversity.
Anniston appears to be evolving from a Moderately Diverse community with clear Black and White majorities to a more multifaceted demographic landscape. This transition, coupled with economic improvements, suggests a city in flux, potentially moving towards a more diverse and economically stable future, albeit with challenges related to population retention and growth.
