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Demographic Shifts in South 22nd Neighborhood: From Black Majority to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The South 22nd neighborhood in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 187 residents and a median income of $30,170. The area transitioned from a Black Majority to a White Majority status over this period.
The neighborhood experienced a notable demographic shift between 2013 and 2016. In 2013, South 22nd was categorized as a Black Majority neighborhood, with 52% of the population identifying as Black. By 2016, it had transitioned to a White Majority status, which it maintained through 2022. Despite this shift, the neighborhood has consistently maintained a Moderate Diversity classification throughout the decade.
The demographic changes correlate with significant economic trends. In 2013, when the neighborhood was Black Majority, the median income was $14,744. As the racial composition shifted towards White Majority, the median income increased substantially, reaching $33,850 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $30,170 in 2022. This represents more than a doubling of median income over a decade.
The population of South 22nd grew from 100 residents in 2013 to 187 in 2022, indicating increased desirability of the neighborhood. This population growth, combined with rising incomes and changing racial composition, suggests a pattern of neighborhood revitalization or gentrification.
The trends observed in South 22nd reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically Black neighborhoods near city centers or educational institutions undergo demographic and economic transitions. The rapid increase in median income and shift in racial majority within a decade is particularly noteworthy.
The presence of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa likely influences these changes. Universities often act as catalysts for neighborhood transformation, attracting students, faculty, and associated businesses that can alter the demographic and economic landscape of nearby areas.
In conclusion, South 22nd has evolved from a lower-income, Black Majority neighborhood to a higher-income, White Majority area with maintained moderate diversity. This transition reflects complex urban dynamics, potentially including gentrification, changing housing preferences, and the influence of nearby institutional anchors. The rapid nature of these changes raises questions about community stability, affordable housing, and the preservation of neighborhood character in the face of economic and demographic shifts.
