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Demographic Transition in Bell Aire: From Black Majority to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Bell Aire, a neighborhood in Theodore, Alabama, presents a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 65% of the neighborhood, with a median income of $53,721. This area has undergone demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly Black community to its current state. This transformation offers a case study of racial and economic dynamics in a small Southern community.
The Bell Aire neighborhood has experienced a demographic evolution over the past decade. In 2013, it was categorized as a "Black Majority" community, with 64% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, it had transitioned to a "White Majority" community, with 65% identifying as White. This shift represents a reversal in the neighborhood's racial composition.
The community went through several stages during this transition: Black Majority (2013-2015), Moderate Diversity (2016-2017), Black Plurality (2018-2019), and White Majority (2020-2022). This transition could be attributed to factors such as changing housing policies, economic opportunities, or broader regional demographic shifts.
The demographic shifts in Bell Aire correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, when the neighborhood was predominantly Black, the median income was $48,369. As the racial composition began to shift, there was an initial decline in median income, reaching $34,176 in 2016 during the "Moderate Diversity" phase. As the White population became the majority, median income began to rise again, reaching $53,721 in 2022.
The demographic shift observed in Bell Aire is notable when compared to broader trends. While many urban areas across the United States have been experiencing increased diversity, this neighborhood has become less diverse over time. This trend runs counter to the national narrative of increasing racial diversity in many communities.
The economic trajectory of Bell Aire differs from national trends. While the U.S. has generally seen steady income growth over the past decade, Bell Aire experienced a significant dip before recovering. This pattern might reflect localized economic challenges during the transition period that were eventually overcome.
The population of Bell Aire has decreased over the observed period, from 1,221 in 2013 to 900 in 2022. This population decline, coupled with the demographic shift, suggests a change in the neighborhood's composition, possibly due to out-migration of some groups and in-migration of others.
Bell Aire presents a case of rapid demographic change, transitioning from a Black Majority to a White Majority community within a decade. This shift has been accompanied by fluctuations in median income and a decrease in population, highlighting the interplay between racial demographics and economic conditions in small communities. The trajectory of Bell Aire underscores the importance of studying local-level demographic changes to understand the ways in which communities evolve over time.
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