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Demographic Shifts in Heatherwood: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Heatherwood, a neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. The area transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity during this period. In 2022, Heatherwood maintains a White Majority status with 60% of the population, down from 90% in 2013. The Black population increased from 4% in 2013 to 30% in 2022. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $106,878.
The transition to Moderate Diversity occurred around 2017-2018 when the White population decreased below 75% and the Black population surpassed 20%. Hispanic and Asian populations also showed slight increases, contributing to the overall diversification. Throughout this demographic shift, the neighborhood's median income generally increased, rising from $88,140 in 2013 to $120,443 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $106,878 in 2022.
The population of Heatherwood remained relatively stable during this period, fluctuating between approximately 1,400 and 1,700 residents. This stability, combined with rising incomes, suggests that the demographic changes resulted from changing resident composition rather than large-scale displacement or rapid development.
Heatherwood's demographic changes reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban neighborhoods, particularly those near urban centers. The rate of change in Heatherwood appears to be more rapid than the national average, with the shift from 90% White to 60% White occurring in just a decade.
The economic resilience of Heatherwood during this transition is notable. The neighborhood maintained and even increased its affluence during the demographic shift, suggesting a process of integration that preserved the area's economic status while becoming more inclusive.
In the context of Jackson, Mississippi, which has a majority Black population, Heatherwood's demographics are still not representative of the city as a whole. However, the trends indicate a movement towards greater alignment with the broader city demographics, potentially signaling increased integration at the city level.
The changes in Heatherwood represent a microcosm of larger societal shifts towards diversity and integration in historically segregated areas, particularly in the American South. The neighborhood's ability to maintain its economic status while diversifying could serve as a case study for successful community integration.
