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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 36606: Transition to Black Majority and Income Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Zip code 36606 in Mobile, Alabama, has been categorized as a "Black Majority" community as of 2022, with 55% of the population identifying as Black. This area has experienced significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade. The community has transitioned from a more racially balanced composition to one with a clear racial majority. Concurrently, the median income has shown substantial growth, particularly in recent years, indicating evolving economic conditions alongside demographic shifts.
In 2013, the community exhibited "Moderate Diversity" with the Black population at 51% and the White population at 43%. Over the subsequent decade, a gradual but consistent trend towards a more pronounced "Black Majority" status was observed. By 2022, the Black population increased to 55%, while the White population decreased to 39%. This shift suggests a "Transitional Community" dynamic. The Hispanic population showed a small but notable increase from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, indicating growing diversity within minority groups. Asian and Two or More Races categories remained relatively stable at around 1% each throughout the period.
The demographic shifts have been accompanied by significant changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $38,463. After a period of decline and stagnation between 2014 and 2016, a strong upward trend in income levels emerged. By 2022, the median income had risen to $49,898, representing a 30% increase from 2013. The most dramatic increase occurred between 2019 and 2021, with median income increasing from $44,361 to $56,000, a 26% increase in two years. This substantial growth coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic period, suggesting potential influences such as changing employment patterns, government assistance programs, or shifts in the local job market.
Population figures have remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between approximately 18,000 and 19,000 residents. The slight population increase in 2022 to 19,044 might indicate renewed interest in the area, possibly linked to improving economic conditions.
The trends observed in this zip code reflect some broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increasing racial majority of one group is a trend observed in various cities, often associated with complex factors such as gentrification, changing housing patterns, or economic opportunities. The significant income growth, particularly in recent years, may align with national trends of economic recovery and wage growth post-2008 recession and during the pandemic period. However, the dramatic increase during 2020-2021 is notably higher than national averages, suggesting local factors at play. The growing Hispanic population, while still small, reflects broader national demographic trends of increasing Hispanic representation across many parts of the United States.
Zip code 36606 in Mobile, Alabama, has evolved over the past decade from a moderately diverse community to one with a clear Black majority. This demographic shift has been accompanied by significant economic improvements, particularly in recent years. These changes likely have implications for local politics, community services, and social dynamics, potentially influencing everything from school enrollment patterns to local business landscapes.
