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Demographic Stability and Economic Challenges in Cable: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Beaumont, Texas
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Cable neighborhood in Beaumont, Texas, exhibits a stable demographic profile characterized by a consistent Black majority from 2013 to 2022. As of 2022, the neighborhood is classified as "Low Diversity," with 87% of the population identified as Black. This predominance has been a consistent feature, with slight fluctuations over the years. Economically, Cable is characterized by a relatively low median income, which was $21,270 in 2022, below the national average. The neighborhood represents a microcosm of historical African American communities in urban Texas, maintaining its cultural identity despite broader demographic shifts in many other parts of the state.
Throughout the 2013-2022 period, Cable has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The percentage of Black residents has ranged from 75% in 2014 to 88% in 2021. The Hispanic population has fluctuated between 6% and 14%, while the White population has decreased from 10% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The neighborhood has consistently remained in the "Low Diversity" category, suggesting strong community ties and potentially limited gentrification pressures.
The median income in Cable has shown a general upward trend, with fluctuations. From $16,499 in 2013, it rose to $23,488 in 2021 before declining to $21,270 in 2022. This represents a 29% increase over the decade, which is positive but still leaves the neighborhood below state and national median income levels. The periods of highest Black population percentage coincide with some of the highest median income years, suggesting that economic improvements have not led to significant demographic changes or displacement of the majority Black population.
The population of Cable has declined from 1,344 in 2013 to 913 in 2022, a decrease of about 32%. This population loss, coupled with the increase in median income, might indicate that while some residents have experienced economic improvements, others may have left the neighborhood, possibly in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
The demographic stability of Cable contrasts with trends in many urban areas across the United States, where gentrification and demographic shifts have been more pronounced. Cable's persistence as a Black Majority, Low Diversity area suggests it may be somewhat insulated from broader urban demographic trends.
The modest income growth in Cable has not kept pace with national trends. Between 2013 and 2022, the U.S. median household income grew by about 31% (adjusted for inflation), slightly outpacing Cable's 29% growth. This suggests that while there have been economic improvements, the neighborhood continues to face economic challenges relative to national averages.
The population decline in Cable mirrors trends seen in some other urban core neighborhoods across the country, particularly those with historically marginalized populations. This could be indicative of broader issues such as lack of economic opportunities, housing challenges, or the draw of suburban areas for families seeking different amenities or school districts.
Cable presents a picture of a neighborhood maintaining its cultural identity in the face of economic challenges and broader demographic shifts. While there have been modest economic gains, the persistence of low incomes and population decline suggest ongoing challenges that may require targeted community development efforts to address.
