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Demographic Shifts in Westavia: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westavia, a neighborhood in Semmes, Alabama, currently exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a White Majority community. As of 2022, the white population comprises 65% of the neighborhood, with a diverse mix of other racial groups. The median income of $49,488 in 2022 reflects a middle-class suburban area. Westavia has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a more diverse community to its current composition.
In 2013, Westavia was classified as a Moderate Diversity community, with a nearly even split between white (53%) and black (36%) populations. Over the next few years, the neighborhood transitioned to a Black Plurality, with the black population reaching 48% in 2017 while the white population remained around 49%. A dramatic shift occurred between 2019 and 2020. The black population decreased from 39% to 17%, while the white population increased from 57% to 69%. This change marked a transition to a White Majority community, a status maintained through 2022.
The demographic shifts in Westavia correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2018, when the community exhibited greater racial diversity, the median income ranged from $75,000 to $82,000. As the community transitioned to a White Majority in 2019-2020, there was a drop in median income to around $49,000, a level that has remained relatively stable through 2022.
The demographic evolution of Westavia is notable when compared to national trends. While many suburban areas across the United States have been experiencing increased diversity over the past decade, Westavia has moved in the opposite direction, becoming less diverse. This trend runs counter to the general pattern of suburbanization of minority populations observed in many parts of the country.
The decrease in median income also stands out, as it occurred during a period when many areas were experiencing economic growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that local factors, perhaps unique to Semmes or the Westavia neighborhood, have had a significant impact on both the demographic composition and economic status of the area.
Westavia presents a case study of a community undergoing significant demographic and economic changes. Its transition from a moderately diverse community to a White Majority area, coupled with a decrease in median income, highlights the interplay between racial composition and economic factors in suburban neighborhoods. This evolution raises questions about the drivers of these changes and their implications for community cohesion and local policy-making in Semmes.
