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Demographic Analysis of Rochon Neighborhood: Gradual Increase in Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Rochon neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, is characterized by Low Diversity, with a predominantly White population of 88% in 2022. Over the past decade, this suburban area has experienced subtle demographic changes while maintaining its status as a primarily White community. Rochon's location near the University of South Alabama likely influences its demographic composition and economic status.
From 2013 to 2022, Rochon has consistently been classified as Low Diversity, with the White population remaining above 75%. However, a gradual trend towards increased diversity has been observed. The Black population increased from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, while the Hispanic population grew from 1% to 4% during the same period. Additionally, a new category of Two or More Races emerged, reaching 3% by 2022. These changes, while not substantial enough to alter Rochon's diversity classification, indicate a slow progression towards greater racial heterogeneity.
The median income in Rochon has fluctuated over the past decade. It reached a peak of $77,055 in 2017, experienced a significant decrease to $59,623 in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and then rebounded to $67,659 by 2022, showing signs of recovery. These economic shifts correlate with demographic changes in notable ways. The period of highest median income (2016-2019) coincided with the initial increase in racial diversity. The economic downturn in 2020 occurred simultaneously with a slight reversal in diversity trends, particularly a decrease in the Hispanic population. The recent economic recovery has been accompanied by a renewed increase in diversity.
Rochon's demographic trends align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas, albeit at a slower pace. The neighborhood's median income, despite fluctuations, remains above the national average, suggesting it is an economically stable area even as it becomes more diverse.
The gradual increase in diversity in Rochon reflects larger demographic shifts occurring across the United States, where traditionally homogeneous suburbs are slowly becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. However, the pace of change in Rochon appears to be slower than national averages, which could be attributed to its location in Alabama, a state that has historically seen slower demographic changes compared to more rapidly diversifying regions.
The economic resilience of Rochon, as evidenced by its rebounding median income post-2020, suggests that the neighborhood has maintained its attractiveness to residents despite economic challenges. This economic stability may be a factor in the gradual nature of its demographic changes, as it potentially limits rapid turnover in housing that could accelerate demographic shifts.
In conclusion, while Rochon remains categorized as Low Diversity, it shows signs of a slow but steady transition towards greater racial heterogeneity. This change, coupled with its economic resilience, indicates a neighborhood gradually evolving while maintaining its core characteristics and appeal to residents.
