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Demographic Analysis of West Jackson: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with Predominant Black Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Jackson, a neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by a predominantly Black population and low median incomes. As of 2022, the community is categorized as "Low Diversity," with 87% of residents identifying as Black. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $14,930, which is below the national average. West Jackson has historical significance related to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
Over the past decade, West Jackson has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong Black majority. There has been a subtle trend towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was 98% Black. By 2022, the Black population decreased to 87%, while the White population increased from 1% to 10%. This shift suggests a slow transition towards slightly more diversity, though the area remains predominantly Black.
The economic landscape of West Jackson has been characterized by fluctuation and overall stagnation. Median income peaked in 2019 at $20,864 but has since declined to $14,930 in 2022. This economic regression coincides with the slight increase in racial diversity, suggesting complex socio-economic changes. The population has remained relatively stable, ranging from 230 to 260 residents throughout the decade, indicating limited in-migration despite the slight increase in diversity.
West Jackson's demographic and economic trends can be contextualized within broader patterns. The slow increase in diversity aligns with national trends of increasing racial integration in urban areas, though West Jackson's pace is slower than many other U.S. cities. The persistent low median income is characteristic of many historically Black neighborhoods in the American South, reflecting long-standing economic disparities. The recent decline in median income since 2019 may be partially attributed to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected low-income and minority communities nationwide.
West Jackson presents a picture of a community slowly transitioning from extreme low diversity to slightly more mixed demographics, but facing significant economic challenges. The neighborhood's historical importance in the Civil Rights Movement adds cultural significance to these demographic shifts, potentially influencing community identity and cohesion as it navigates these gradual changes. The economic regression in recent years poses concerns for the community's overall well-being and may impact future demographic trends if it continues.
