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Demographic Analysis of Midway Neighborhood: A Black Majority Community in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Midway neighborhood in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is characterized as a "Black Majority" community. In 2022, 80% of its population identified as Black. The neighborhood has experienced changes in population and median income over the past decade. As of 2022, the population was 568, and the median income was $27,974. Midway has demonstrated economic resilience despite population fluctuations.
Over the past decade, Midway has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community. The Black population percentage increased from 67% in 2013 to 80% in 2022, indicating a trend towards lower diversity. The White population, the second-largest group, decreased from 22% in 2013 to 19% in 2022. In 2022, a small Hispanic population (1%) emerged, potentially indicating the beginning of increased community diversity.
The median income in Midway has shown overall growth, increasing from $20,924 in 2013 to $27,974 in 2022, a 33.7% increase. This growth has not been linear, with fluctuations observed throughout the decade. The highest median income was recorded in 2017 at $30,447, followed by a decline and subsequent recovery. These economic changes appear to correlate with the strengthening of the Black majority in the neighborhood.
Population trends have been volatile, with the lowest point in 2018 at 406 residents and the highest in 2010 at 601 residents. The recent increase in population from 2020 to 2022 coincides with a modest increase in median income, potentially indicating improved economic opportunities attracting new residents.
The demographic trend in Midway towards a stronger Black majority differs from many urban areas experiencing increased diversity. The economic growth, despite being non-linear, is a positive sign for the community. The introduction of a small Hispanic population in 2022 could be the beginning of a trend towards a "Transitional Community." If this trend continues and expands to include other racial groups, Midway might evolve towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification in the future. However, given the strong Black majority, any such transition would likely be gradual.
Midway presents a case of a strengthening Black majority community that has seen overall economic improvement over the past decade. While not currently fitting the "Transitional Community" category, the recent introduction of Hispanic residents suggests potential for increased diversity in the future. The neighborhood's ability to maintain population levels while increasing median income indicates resilience and potential for continued positive development.
