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Demographic and Economic Trends in University Heights: A Study of Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
University Heights in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a neighborhood with a White Majority, with 58% of the population identifying as white in 2022. The area has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income increasing from $18,414 in 2013 to $35,962 in 2022. The neighborhood's proximity to the University of Southern Mississippi likely influences its demographic makeup and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, University Heights has transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity with a dominant white population (71%). By 2022, the white population decreased to 58%, while other racial groups increased their representation. The Black population grew from 25% in 2013 to 26% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 1% to 8% during this period. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races rose from 0% to 6%.
This transition appears to be part of a Transitional Community trend, with consistent increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations over the years. The demographic shifts in University Heights correlate with economic changes. The median income increased from $18,414 in 2013 to $41,526 in 2020, before decreasing to $35,962 in 2022. This overall upward trend in income coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood.
The population fluctuated over the years, decreasing from 3,061 in 2013 to 2,994 in 2022, with some years seeing significant drops before rebounding. These population changes might be related to the neighborhood's proximity to the university, with student populations potentially influencing these fluctuations.
The demographic shifts observed in University Heights align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly in university towns. The growth in Hispanic population mirrors national demographic changes, where the Hispanic population has been one of the fastest-growing segments in many U.S. cities.
The economic growth experienced by University Heights is notable, especially considering that Mississippi has historically been one of the lowest-income states in the U.S. The neighborhood's income growth outpaces the state average, possibly due to its connection to the university and the influx of a more diverse population.
University Heights has transformed from a Low Diversity, predominantly white neighborhood to a Moderately Diverse, Transitional Community over the past decade. This demographic shift has been accompanied by economic growth, suggesting a dynamic and evolving urban landscape influenced by its proximity to the University of Southern Mississippi and broader national demographic trends.
