Loading Content...
Demographic Evolution of Heatherton: A Study of Racial Composition in a Jackson, Mississippi Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Heatherton, a neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The white population comprises 72% of the total. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth, with a median income of $94,002 in 2022, which exceeds the national median. Heatherton is characterized by well-maintained parks and tree-lined streets, contributing to its status as one of Jackson's more affluent suburbs.
Over the past decade, Heatherton has maintained its "White Majority" status while showing indications of increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Low Diversity" with an 85% white population. By 2022, the white population decreased to 72%, suggesting a trend towards "Moderate Diversity." The most notable changes occurred in the Asian and Black populations. The Asian population increased from 2% in 2013 to 8% in 2022, while the Black population grew from 7% to 14% during the same period. These trends indicate that Heatherton is becoming a "Transitional Community," gradually moving towards greater racial diversity.
The demographic shifts in Heatherton have been accompanied by economic growth. The median income increased from $81,758 in 2013 to $94,002 in 2022, representing a 15% increase. This growth indicates that the neighborhood has remained attractive to high-income earners despite becoming more diverse. A significant increase in median income occurred in 2020 ($100,216), coinciding with a notable rise in the Asian population (from 2% to 5%). This may suggest an influx of high-earning Asian professionals into the neighborhood.
The population of Heatherton has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between approximately 1,900 and 2,400 residents. This stability, combined with rising incomes and increasing diversity, suggests a gradual turnover of residents rather than rapid gentrification or white flight.
The trends observed in Heatherton reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those with high median incomes. However, the pace of change in Heatherton appears to be slower than national averages. While many similar suburbs across the U.S. have already transitioned to "Majority-Minority" or "High Diversity" status, Heatherton is still in the early stages of this transition.
The economic growth in Heatherton outpaces national averages, with its median income consistently above the national median. This suggests that Heatherton remains an attractive destination for high-income earners of various racial backgrounds, potentially driven by factors such as good schools, low crime rates, or proximity to high-paying job centers.
Heatherton remains a predominantly white, affluent neighborhood, but it is showing clear signs of evolving into a more diverse community. This gradual transition, coupled with continued economic prosperity, positions Heatherton as a neighborhood in flux, potentially serving as a model for how traditionally homogeneous suburbs can adapt to changing demographics while maintaining economic stability.
