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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Wesconnett, Jacksonville: A Study of Neighborhood Diversity from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wesconnett, a neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity demographic profile with a significant representation of White (40%), Black (32%), and Hispanic (21%) populations as of 2022. The median income of $37,367 in 2022 suggests a working-class community. Wesconnett is located near Naval Air Station Jacksonville, which likely influences its demographic makeup and economic characteristics.
Over the past decade, Wesconnett has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having a White Majority, with 58% of the population identifying as white. However, by 2022, the community transitioned to a Moderate Diversity profile, with no single racial group constituting a majority. The most notable shifts include a decrease in White population from 58% in 2013 to 40% in 2022, an increase in Black population from 24% in 2013 to 32% in 2022, and significant growth in Hispanic population from 10% in 2013 to 21% in 2022. This transition suggests a Transitional Community, with increasing diversity over time.
The median income in Wesconnett has shown fluctuations over the past decade, with a general upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $36,144. It reached its lowest point in 2017 at $31,976, then rose to its highest point in 2021 at $40,977, before slightly declining to $37,367 in 2022. The economic trends seem to correlate with demographic shifts. The period of lowest median income (2016-2017) coincides with the most rapid diversification of the neighborhood. As the community stabilized into its new diverse profile, incomes began to rise again, reaching a peak in 2021 before slightly declining in 2022.
The population has grown from 5,003 in 2013 to 6,093 in 2022, suggesting that the neighborhood has become increasingly attractive to new residents, potentially due to its growing diversity and economic opportunities.
The demographic shifts in Wesconnett mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population, in particular, aligns with national patterns of Hispanic population growth in many U.S. cities. The economic fluctuations in Wesconnett may reflect broader economic trends, such as the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent decline in median income from 2021 to 2022 could be attributed to the economic challenges posed by the pandemic.
The neighborhood's proximity to Naval Air Station Jacksonville likely contributes to its demographic makeup, potentially attracting a diverse population of military personnel and associated civilian workers. This could explain the community's resilience in maintaining a moderate income level despite significant demographic changes.
Wesconnett exemplifies a Transitional Community that has evolved from a White Majority to a Moderately Diverse neighborhood over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by economic fluctuations, but the overall trend suggests a growing, diverse community with a relatively stable economic base. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas, while its specific characteristics are likely influenced by its unique location near a major military installation.
