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Demographic Shifts in Bellewood: A Study of Racial Composition Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Bellewood, a neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Racial Majority" community with a Black majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,875 and a median income of $42,477. Bellewood has undergone significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more balanced racial composition to its current state.
In 2013, Bellewood was categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" neighborhood, with a nearly equal split between White (50%) and Black (46%) residents. Over the next decade, the neighborhood experienced a gradual shift towards a "Racial Majority" status. By 2022, the Black population had increased to 54%, while the White population decreased to 31%. This transition was accompanied by the emergence of other racial groups, particularly Asian residents (9%) and those identifying as two or more races (5%).
The neighborhood briefly experienced a "White Plurality" in 2017 (52% White, 42% Black) before shifting back towards a Black majority. This fluctuation suggests a dynamic period of demographic change, potentially indicating a "Transitional Community" status during this time.
The demographic shifts in Bellewood correlate with changes in median income and population figures. From 2013 to 2022, the neighborhood experienced a decline in median income, dropping from $50,657 to $42,477. This 16% decrease in median income coincided with the shift towards a Black majority and the introduction of more diverse racial groups.
Population figures show fluctuations. The neighborhood saw growth from 2,169 residents in 2013 to a peak of 2,606 in 2017, coinciding with the brief period of White plurality. However, the population has since decreased to 1,875 in 2022, aligning with the establishment of a Black majority and increased overall diversity.
The demographic changes in Bellewood reflect broader national trends of increasing racial diversity in urban areas. However, the economic trajectory of the neighborhood, with its declining median income, contrasts with national trends of economic recovery and growth in the post-2008 recession era. This suggests that local factors may be influencing Bellewood's economic landscape.
The introduction of a significant Asian population (rising from 0% to 9% between 2020 and 2022) is noteworthy and may indicate changing migration patterns or economic opportunities specific to Mobile or the broader Alabama region.
Bellewood has transformed from a moderately diverse neighborhood with relatively balanced White and Black populations to a Black majority area with increasing representation from other racial groups. This demographic shift has occurred alongside economic challenges, as evidenced by the declining median income. These changes suggest a community in transition, potentially grappling with the socio-economic implications of its evolving demographic makeup.
