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Demographic Analysis of Autumndale: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Autumndale neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a "Racial Majority" of Black residents, comprising 90% of the population as of 2022. The neighborhood faces significant economic challenges, with a median income of $18,899 in 2022, which is considerably below the national average. Autumndale has historical significance in Mobile's civil rights movement, having been a predominantly African American community for decades.
Over the past decade, Autumndale has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a strong "Racial Majority" of Black residents. The percentage of Black residents has remained relatively stable, ranging from 88% to 94% between 2013 and 2022. There has been a slight increase in diversity, with small but growing Hispanic and White populations, but not enough to alter the neighborhood's demographic classification.
The median income in Autumndale has shown significant fluctuation and a downward trend. From a peak of $33,025 in 2015, it has declined to $18,899 in 2022, representing a decrease of approximately 43%. This economic downturn correlates with a decrease in population from 3,313 in 2019 to 2,151 in 2022, suggesting that economic pressures may be driving residents out of the neighborhood.
The stability in racial composition contrasted with the economic volatility indicates that while the community has maintained its cultural identity, it has faced increasing economic challenges. This could be attributed to broader economic factors affecting predominantly Black communities or specific local issues impacting job opportunities and income levels in the area.
The persistent low diversity and economic challenges in Autumndale reflect broader national trends where historically Black neighborhoods often face economic disinvestment and slower recovery from economic downturns. The median income in Autumndale is significantly below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This difference highlights the economic disparities faced by this community.
The slight increase in Hispanic and White populations, while small, could indicate the beginning of a "Transitional Community" status, albeit at a very slow pace. This gradual change might be related to broader demographic shifts seen in many Southern cities, where Hispanic populations have been growing.
The economic decline in Autumndale appears more severe than national averages, suggesting localized factors may be exacerbating broader economic trends. The significant population decrease between 2019 and 2022 (about 35%) is particularly notable and may indicate a local crisis or rapid neighborhood change that warrants further investigation.
Autumndale has maintained its status as a predominantly Black community with low diversity, while facing severe economic challenges over the past decade. The combination of declining incomes and population loss suggests a community under stress, potentially caught in a cycle of disinvestment and outmigration. Addressing these economic challenges while preserving the community's cultural identity will likely be a key focus for local policymakers and community leaders in the coming years.
