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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in the Martin Luther King Neighborhood of Beaumont, Texas
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Martin Luther King neighborhood in Beaumont, Texas, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity." As of 2022, the neighborhood's population of 1,087 consists of 51% Black, 37% Hispanic, and 12% White residents. The median income in 2022 was $22,829, indicating a lower-income area compared to national averages. The neighborhood shares its name with the civil rights leader, potentially reflecting its historical significance in the local African American community.
Over the past decade, the Martin Luther King neighborhood has undergone significant demographic changes. In 2013, it was a "Black Majority" community with 57% Black residents. By 2018, it had transitioned to a "Hispanic Plurality" with 58% Hispanic residents. In 2022, it returned to a "Black Plurality" with 51% Black residents. The White population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 6% and 18%. These changes demonstrate the dynamic nature of the neighborhood's demographics.
The median income in the neighborhood has shown considerable volatility over the years. In 2013, when the area was predominantly Black, the median income was $17,718. As the Hispanic population grew, reaching its peak in 2018, the median income rose to $22,087. In 2021, the median income spiked to $35,097, coinciding with a more balanced racial distribution. The income level dropped back to $22,829 in 2022 as the Black population regained plurality status.
The demographic changes in the Martin Luther King neighborhood reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where traditionally African American neighborhoods have experienced an influx of Hispanic residents. This pattern is often associated with changing immigration patterns, affordable housing availability, and shifting job markets.
The economic volatility observed in this neighborhood, particularly the sharp rise and fall in median income between 2021 and 2022, is unusual. It could be related to localized factors such as temporary job opportunities, changes in housing policies, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy.
The Martin Luther King neighborhood in Beaumont, Texas, exemplifies a dynamic urban area experiencing significant demographic and economic changes. Its transition from a Black Majority to a Hispanic Plurality and back to a Black Plurality within a decade, coupled with fluctuating income levels, underscores the complex interplay between racial composition and economic factors in evolving urban landscapes. These changes likely have implications for community identity, local services, and economic development strategies in the area.
