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Demographic Analysis of Mason City: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Mason City, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a strong Black majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,751 and a median income of $26,919. Mason City's racial homogeneity has persisted over the past decade despite slight shifts in recent years.
Throughout the 2010s, Mason City maintained a status of "Low Diversity" with an overwhelming Black majority. From 2013 to 2018, the Black population consistently comprised 97-98% of the total population. A subtle transition began around 2019, moving towards a slightly more diverse composition, though still within the "Low Diversity" category.
The Hispanic population emerged as a small but growing minority, reaching 10% by 2020 before decreasing to 8% in 2022. Residents identifying as two or more races increased to 3% by 2020. Despite these changes, the Black population remains the dominant majority at 87% as of 2022, down from its peak of 98% earlier in the decade.
The demographic shifts in Mason City correlate with changes in median income. The median income increased from $21,395 in 2013 to $27,488 in 2020, coinciding with the period of highest racial homogeneity. As the community began to show signs of increased diversity from 2019 onwards, the median income slightly decreased, settling at $26,919 in 2022.
The population of Mason City remained relatively stable between 1,200 to 1,400 residents from 2010 to 2019. There was a significant increase to 1,747 residents in 2020, coinciding with the most noticeable increase in Hispanic population and racial diversity. This population increase has held steady through 2022.
The demographic trends in Mason City are notable when compared to broader national trends. While many urban areas across the United States have been experiencing increasing diversity over the past decade, Mason City's changes have been relatively modest. The persistence of such a high percentage of Black residents (87% as of 2022) is uncommon in many parts of the country.
The economic situation in Mason City is significant. With a median income of $26,919 in 2022, the neighborhood falls significantly below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by this predominantly Black community.
Mason City shows early signs of transitioning towards greater diversity, but remains a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood with economic indicators below national averages. The subtle demographic shifts observed in recent years may signal the beginning of more significant changes to come, potentially impacting the community's economic and social fabric in the future.
