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Demographic Stability and Economic Challenges in Maryvale: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Maryvale neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, exhibits a low diversity demographic profile with a clear racial majority. As of 2022, 96% of the population identifies as Black, categorizing it as a Black Majority neighborhood. The median income in 2022 was $23,627, indicating a low-income community. Maryvale is one of Mobile's traditionally African American neighborhoods, reflecting the city's racial history and socio-economic challenges.
Over the past decade, Maryvale has maintained its status as a Black Majority neighborhood. The percentage of Black residents decreased slightly from 99% in 2013 to 96% in 2022. The neighborhood has remained in the Low Diversity category throughout this period. There has been a small increase in the white population, from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022.
The median income in Maryvale increased from $18,923 in 2013 to $23,627 in 2022, representing a growth of 24.9% over nine years. However, when adjusted for inflation, this increase is less significant. The population has declined from 4,468 in 2013 to 2,836 in 2022, a reduction of 36.5%.
The correlation between the modest income increase and population decrease suggests that while overall economic conditions may have slightly improved for those remaining in the neighborhood, it hasn't been sufficient to retain or attract a larger population.
The demographic stability of Maryvale contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. The economic struggles of Maryvale reflect broader issues of income inequality and racial economic disparities in the United States. The median income remains far below the national median income, which was around $70,000 in 2022.
The population decline in Maryvale is part of a larger trend seen in many inner-city neighborhoods across the U.S., particularly those with historically marginalized populations. This trend often relates to factors such as suburbanization, gentrification in other areas pushing lower-income residents to different neighborhoods, or the search for better economic opportunities elsewhere.
Maryvale presents a picture of a neighborhood that has maintained its racial identity over the past decade while experiencing modest economic improvements. However, these improvements have not been sufficient to prevent significant population loss. The neighborhood's trajectory raises questions about urban development, racial economic disparities, and the challenges of revitalizing historically underserved communities.
