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Demographic Shifts in Melrose Neighborhood: Increasing White Majority and Rising Incomes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Melrose neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, transitioned from a moderately diverse community to a white-majority area between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, Melrose had a population of 288 residents and a median income of $53,520. The neighborhood experienced a significant demographic shift over the past decade, with the white population increasing from 58% to 66% and the black population decreasing from 34% to 27%.
The Hispanic population in Melrose fluctuated during this period, reaching a peak of 9% in 2016 before declining to 3% by 2022. The neighborhood consistently showed no significant Asian or Native American population, while the percentage of residents identifying as two or more races varied between 2% and 6% throughout the decade.
Economic trends in Melrose correlated with the demographic changes. The median income increased from $34,517 in 2013 to $53,520 in 2022, representing a 55% growth over the decade. This substantial increase in median income coincided with the growing white majority, suggesting potential economic factors driving the demographic shifts.
The population of Melrose remained relatively stable during this period, fluctuating between 229 and 289 residents. The combination of stable population size, increasing incomes, and shifting demographics may indicate a process of gradual replacement rather than rapid population changes.
The trends observed in Melrose reflect broader patterns of urban demographic change seen in many American cities. The shift towards a white majority and increasing median income is often associated with gentrification processes. However, Melrose's changes are occurring on a smaller scale due to its small population, which means that minor shifts in resident composition can lead to significant percentage changes in demographic makeup.
The median income growth in Melrose outpaced the national average over a similar period, suggesting that this neighborhood may be experiencing more rapid economic changes than many other areas of the country. This could be attracting new residents or changing the economic prospects of long-term inhabitants.
Melrose's evolution from a moderately diverse neighborhood to a white-majority area with significantly higher median incomes over the past decade reflects broader urban trends. These changes are happening in a very small community context, which may intensify their impact on local social dynamics and community character. The neighborhood's transformation raises questions about affordability, community cohesion, and the preservation of diversity in small urban enclaves.
