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Demographic Analysis of Sunny Ridge: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Pensacola, Florida
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sunny Ridge, a neighborhood in Pensacola, Florida, is characterized by a Black Majority demographic composition with a median income of $27,343 as of 2022. The neighborhood's population has grown from 8,715 residents in 2010 to 10,252 in 2022. Sunny Ridge holds historical significance in Pensacola's African American community, featuring cultural landmarks and community centers that contribute to local heritage preservation.
Over the past decade, Sunny Ridge has maintained its Black Majority status, albeit with some changes. The Black population percentage decreased from 56% in 2013 to 51% in 2022. Concurrently, the White population increased from 33% to 37%, the Hispanic population from 3% to 4%, and those identifying as two or more races from 3% to 6%. These trends indicate a gradual shift towards increased diversity.
The median income in Sunny Ridge has shown an upward trend, increasing from $24,556 in 2013 to $27,343 in 2022, representing an 11.3% growth over nine years. This growth, while positive, has been modest and may not have kept pace with inflation, potentially indicating stagnant real income growth for residents.
Periods of significant income growth in Sunny Ridge appear to correlate with slight decreases in the Black population percentage and increases in other racial groups. For instance, between 2017 and 2018, median income increased from $25,426 to $27,972, coinciding with a decrease in the Black population from 55% to 54% and an increase in the Hispanic population from 3% to 5%.
The demographic shifts observed in Sunny Ridge reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban neighborhoods, albeit at a slower rate compared to many other urban areas across the U.S. The modest income growth in Sunny Ridge is consistent with national patterns of slow wage growth for lower and middle-income neighborhoods. However, the relatively low median income of $27,343 in 2022 suggests ongoing economic challenges compared to national averages.
The gradual increase in diversity, particularly in the Hispanic and multiracial populations, aligns with broader demographic trends seen across many Southern states. However, Sunny Ridge's maintenance of a strong Black majority distinguishes it from neighborhoods that have undergone more dramatic racial transitions.
Sunny Ridge is experiencing slow but steady demographic changes and modest economic growth while remaining a predominantly Black community facing economic challenges. The neighborhood's evolution reflects a balance between maintaining its historical cultural identity and adapting to broader societal shifts towards increased diversity and economic development.
