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Demographic Analysis of Summerville Neighborhood: Persistent Black Majority and Economic Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Summerville neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, demonstrates a Low Diversity demographic profile with a Black Majority of 98% as of 2022. The neighborhood experienced a population decline from 871 residents in 2010 to 474 in 2022. Despite this decrease, Summerville's median income increased from $19,559 in 2013 to $25,999 in 2022. The area is known for its historic district with preserved 19th-century homes.
From 2013 to 2022, Summerville maintained its status as a Black Majority community, with the percentage of Black residents remaining above 94% each year. This consistency classifies Summerville as a Low Diversity area throughout the decade. Minor shifts occurred, with the Black population percentage increasing from 94% to 99% between 2013 and 2020, followed by a slight decrease to 97-98% in 2021-2022. Concurrently, there was a small increase in residents identifying as two or more races (2-3%).
Summerville's economic trajectory shows a positive trend despite population decline. Median income rose from $19,559 in 2013 to $25,999 in 2022, an increase of about 33%. A significant increase occurred between 2020 ($25,998) and 2021 ($31,395), followed by a slight decrease in 2022. The population declined by approximately 46% from 2010 to 2022, which may have contributed to the rise in median income if higher-income residents were more likely to remain.
The persistent Black Majority in Summerville reflects broader demographic patterns in many urban areas of the American South, where historical segregation and limited economic mobility have maintained concentrated African American communities. The median income in Summerville ($25,999 in 2022) remains significantly below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by this community.
The population decline in Summerville mirrors trends seen in many inner-city neighborhoods across the United States, where factors such as suburbanization, gentrification, or lack of economic opportunities have led to outmigration. The slight increase in racial diversity aligns with national trends towards increasing diversity, although Summerville's change is minimal compared to more rapidly diversifying urban areas.
Summerville has maintained its character as a predominantly Black community with Low Diversity while experiencing significant economic and population changes. The rising median income amidst population decline suggests a complex interplay of factors that may be reshaping the neighborhood's socioeconomic landscape. As Summerville moves forward, balancing economic growth with community preservation and potentially increasing diversity will be key challenges for local policymakers and residents.
