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Demographic Analysis of Northfield Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
The Northfield neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a predominant Black population. As of 2022, the neighborhood has 203 residents and approximately 78 housing units. Northfield's Black population has remained above 95% for the majority of the past decade, making it one of the most racially homogeneous neighborhoods in Jackson.
From 2013 to 2022, Northfield has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The percentage of Black residents consistently exceeded 95% until recent years. Signs of a slight shift towards increased diversity have emerged in recent years. Between 2013 and 2020, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with the Black population comprising 95-99% of residents. In 2021, a minor change occurred with the introduction of a small White population (2%), while still maintaining Low Diversity status. In 2022, a more significant shift occurred. The neighborhood remained a Black Majority (88%), but there was an increase in residents identifying as Two or More Races (10%) and White (1%), potentially indicating the beginning of a Transitional Community phase.
The median income in Northfield has fluctuated over the years, showing an overall upward trend despite some volatility. From 2013 to 2019, the median income remained relatively stable, ranging from about $22,000 to $26,000. A significant increase occurred in 2020, with median income rising to $32,211, coinciding with the highest point of racial homogeneity (99% Black). In 2021 and 2022, as slight racial diversification began, the median income showed some volatility, decreasing to $30,894 in 2021 and further to $26,444 in 2022.
Population figures have also fluctuated. The population grew steadily from 237 in 2010 to 287 in 2018. A sharp decline occurred in 2020, dropping to 190 residents. Since then, there has been a slight recovery, with the population reaching 203 in 2022.
Northfield's demographic profile is unique even within Jackson, which itself has a predominantly Black population (about 82% as of 2020). The extreme racial homogeneity of Northfield, only recently showing signs of change, suggests a history of residential segregation that has persisted longer than in many other parts of the city or country. The recent diversification trend, albeit small, aligns with broader national trends of increasing racial diversity in urban areas. However, the scale and pace of this change in Northfield are much more modest compared to national averages.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the income spike in 2020 followed by a decline, could be related to broader economic factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The subsequent decline in median income as diversity increased might reflect changing neighborhood dynamics or could be part of larger economic trends affecting the region.
In conclusion, while Northfield remains a predominantly Black neighborhood with low diversity, recent years have shown the first signs of demographic change. This shift, coupled with economic fluctuations, suggests that Northfield may be at the beginning of a transitional period. Continued monitoring of these trends will be crucial to understand the long-term demographic and economic trajectory of this neighborhood.
