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Demographic Analysis of Fisher Neighborhood: Racial Composition and Population Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Fisher neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Racial Majority." In 2022, 94% of the population was Black, classifying it as a "Black Majority" area. The neighborhood has experienced a significant population decline, decreasing from 2,040 residents in 2010 to 1,207 in 2022. This population reduction, combined with fluctuating median incomes, indicates economic challenges. Fisher is historically significant as one of Mobile's oldest African American communities, with origins dating back to the post-Civil War era.
From 2013 to 2022, Fisher consistently maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood, with the Black population comprising over 90% of residents each year. There has been a slight decrease in this majority, from 98% in 2013 to 94% in 2022. This minor shift suggests the beginnings of a gradual diversification, although the community remains in the "Low Diversity" category. The most notable change has been the emergence of a small White population (2% by 2019) and an increase in the "Other" category (3% by 2022). These changes, while minimal, could indicate the early stages of a "Transitional Community," albeit at a very slow pace.
The median income in Fisher has fluctuated significantly over the years, with no clear upward trend. From 2013 to 2022, the income ranged from a low of $18,518 in 2018 to a high of $25,063 in 2020. The most recent figure of $24,438 in 2022 suggests a slight improvement from the previous year but remains below national averages. These economic fluctuations coincide with the steady population decline, dropping from 2,123 residents in 2013 to 1,207 in 2022. This substantial decrease (about 43%) could indicate outmigration, possibly due to limited economic opportunities or other factors affecting the quality of life in the neighborhood.
The correlation between demographic and economic trends is not strongly evident, as the racial composition has remained relatively stable despite the economic fluctuations. However, the gradual increase in diversity, albeit small, coincides with periods of slightly higher median incomes (2020-2022), which could suggest that economic improvements might be attracting a more diverse population.
The demographic makeup of Fisher contrasts with broader trends in many urban areas across the United States, where increasing diversity has been more pronounced. While many cities have seen significant growth in Hispanic and Asian populations, Fisher's changes in these categories have been minimal to non-existent. Economically, Fisher's median income ($24,438 in 2022) is lower than the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by the neighborhood and its residents.
The population decline in Fisher is more severe than the overall trend for Mobile, Alabama, which has seen a more modest population decrease. This suggests that Fisher may be facing unique challenges compared to the broader city, possibly related to economic opportunities, housing conditions, or other quality of life factors.
Fisher remains a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood, but subtle shifts in its demographic composition and fluctuating economic indicators suggest a community in slow transition. The challenge for local policymakers and community leaders will be to address the underlying causes of population decline while working to improve economic opportunities for residents, potentially leading to greater stability and diversity in the future.
