Demographic Analysis of Smiley Heights: A Low Diversity, Black Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Smiley Heights, a neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." As of 2022, 84% of the population identifies as Black, with a median income of $20,378. The neighborhood has experienced economic challenges, with incomes significantly below the national average. Smiley Heights has also seen a notable population decline in recent years.
Over the past decade, Smiley Heights has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" area. In 2013, the Black population comprised 91% of the neighborhood. The community has shown a gradual trend towards slightly increased diversity, primarily due to growth in the Hispanic population. From 2013 to 2019, there was a decrease in the Black population percentage, dropping from 91% to 78%. This trend slightly reversed in recent years, with the Black population percentage increasing to 84% by 2022.
The economic trajectory of Smiley Heights shows a gradual improvement over the decade. In 2013, the median income was $17,758, which increased to $20,378 by 2022, representing a 14.8% increase. The period of greatest racial diversification (2013-2019) coincided with the most significant income growth. The median income peaked in 2019 at $20,861, which aligns with the point of highest diversity in the neighborhood.
Population trends have been volatile, with an overall decline from 3,985 in 2013 to 3,099 in 2022. This significant population loss (22.2%) could be indicative of broader economic challenges or changing neighborhood dynamics.
Smiley Heights' demographic profile differs significantly from national averages. The United States as a whole has been trending towards increased diversity, with growing Hispanic and multiracial populations. In contrast, Smiley Heights maintains a much higher concentration of Black residents than the national average. The median income in Smiley Heights ($20,378 in 2022) is substantially below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021.
The population decline in Smiley Heights contrasts with the general trend of urban population growth seen in many U.S. cities over the past decade. This could suggest that Baton Rouge, or at least this particular neighborhood, may be facing unique challenges in retaining residents.
In conclusion, while Smiley Heights has experienced some subtle shifts towards increased diversity and modest economic improvement over the past decade, it remains a predominantly Black, low-income neighborhood facing significant economic and demographic challenges. The interplay between racial composition, economic conditions, and population trends in this community provides a case study of urban dynamics in economically stressed areas.
