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Demographic Analysis of Stephens Neighborhood: Persistent Black Majority and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Stephens neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, is characterized by a predominantly Black population and low diversity. As of 2022, 76% of the population identifies as Black. The median income in 2022 was $28,575, indicating a lower-income area compared to national averages. Stephens holds historical significance in the Civil Rights movement, particularly in relation to the Little Rock Central High School desegregation crisis of 1957.
Over the past decade, Stephens has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The Black population percentage peaked at 80% in 2016 and decreased to 76% by 2022. The White population increased from 16% in 2016 to 19% in 2022. The Hispanic population fluctuated, reaching 6% in 2018-2019 before decreasing to 3% by 2022. The population identifying as two or more races increased from 0% in 2013 to 2% in 2022. These changes suggest a slow trend towards slightly increased diversity, though still within the Low Diversity category.
The median income in Stephens has shown volatility over the past decade. It increased from $25,535 in 2013 to $32,202 in 2019, dropped to $26,562 in 2020, rebounded to $31,394 in 2021, and decreased to $28,575 in 2022. These economic fluctuations do not strongly correlate with the minor demographic shifts. The overall low income levels may contribute to the neighborhood's demographic stability by limiting the influx of new, potentially more diverse residents.
The population has remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 5,476 in 2013 to 4,960 in 2022. This minor population decline could be attributed to factors such as outmigration for economic opportunities or changes in family size.
The persistent Black Majority and low diversity in Stephens contrast with national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced a shift towards Moderate or High Diversity categories over the past decade. The economic challenges faced by Stephens, with median incomes well below the national average of around $70,000 in 2022, are characteristic of many historically Black neighborhoods in urban areas across the United States.
The slight increase in the White population and those identifying as two or more races could be early indicators of a slow gentrification process. However, the persistence of low income levels suggests that if such a process is occurring, it is in its very early stages and progressing much slower than in many other urban areas across the country.
In conclusion, Stephens has maintained its character as a predominantly Black, low-income neighborhood over the past decade. Subtle demographic shifts and income volatility hint at potential changes. The community's historical significance and these emerging trends make it an important area to watch for future urban development and demographic evolution in Little Rock.
