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Demographic Shifts in Audubon-Westwood: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Audubon-Westwood neighborhood in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood has a median income of $40,808 and a population of 249 residents. Over the past decade, this area has undergone significant demographic changes, transitioning from a more diverse composition to its current state.
In 2013, Audubon-Westwood was characterized as a "White Majority" community, with 70% of the population identifying as white. From 2014 to 2020, the neighborhood transitioned towards increased diversity, classified as having "Moderate Diversity," with the Black population ranging from 28% to 36% and the white population between 58% and 68%. In 2021, the neighborhood reverted to a "White Majority" status, with the white population increasing to 74% while the Black population decreased to 19%. This trend continued into 2022, maintaining the "White Majority" classification.
The demographic shifts in Audubon-Westwood correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2017, as the neighborhood became more diverse, the median income declined from $46,345 to $32,406. As the neighborhood transitioned back to a "White Majority" in 2021-2022, there was an increase in median income, rising from $34,459 in 2019 to $43,519 in 2021. This suggests a potential relationship between the racial composition and economic conditions of the neighborhood.
Population figures have fluctuated, peaking at 340 residents in 2018 during the period of higher diversity, and then declining to 249 by 2022 as the community became less diverse.
The demographic shifts in Audubon-Westwood appear to run counter to broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas. The neighborhood's transition from moderate diversity back to a white majority is notable and may reflect local economic or social factors unique to Hattiesburg or this specific neighborhood.
The correlation between increased racial homogeneity and rising median income in recent years could indicate gentrification processes or changes in local housing policies. Without more contextual information about Hattiesburg's overall demographics and economic trends, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the causes of these shifts.
The Audubon-Westwood neighborhood has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade, transitioning from a period of increased diversity and economic challenges to a more homogeneous racial composition with improving economic indicators. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of urban neighborhoods and the complex interplay between racial demographics and economic conditions.
