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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as of 2022, is classified as a "Black Majority" city. The population is 71% Black, constituting a clear racial majority. The median income in 2022 was $41,818, which is lower than many national averages. The city has experienced a steady population decline over the past decade.
Pine Bluff has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" city from 2013 to 2022. The Black population has remained stable at approximately 71-72% of the total population. Minor fluctuations have occurred in other racial groups, but these have not significantly altered the city's overall demographic categorization. The White population decreased slightly from 26% in 2013 to 24% in 2022. The Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races increased marginally from 1% to 2% each over the decade.
The median income in Pine Bluff has fluctuated. It decreased from $35,417 in 2013 to $33,377 in 2015, then increased to $43,593 in 2021, before declining to $41,818 in 2022. This represents an overall increase of about 18% over the decade. However, these figures remain lower than many national averages. Concurrently, the city's population has decreased significantly, from 53,923 in 2013 to 46,164 in 2022, a 14% reduction.
Many small to mid-sized cities in the United States have faced similar challenges of population decline and economic struggles. However, Pine Bluff's strong Black majority is less common and may present unique challenges and opportunities.
Based on observed trends, Pine Bluff is likely to remain a "Black Majority" city in the foreseeable future. The slight increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations may continue, potentially leading to a more diverse city over time, but this change would be gradual. Economically, if the trend of increasing median income continues, it could improve residents' quality of life. However, the persistent population decline is concerning and could counteract economic gains if it continues.
In the long term, if current minor demographic shifts continue and accelerate, Pine Bluff might eventually transition to a "Majority-Minority" category, where no single group constitutes a majority, but minority groups collectively form the majority. However, this transition would likely take many years or decades at the current rate of change. The city's leadership should focus on strategies to retain population, attract new residents, and continue to boost median incomes to ensure a stable and prosperous future for Pine Bluff.