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Demographic Stability and Economic Challenges in Sunnyside: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sunnyside, a neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." As of 2022, 95% of the population identifies as Black, with minimal representation of other racial groups. The neighborhood has maintained demographic stability over the past decade, consistently preserving its predominant Black population. Economically, Sunnyside faces challenges, with a median income of $23,290 in 2022, which is below the national average. The neighborhood is recognized for its strong community bonds and resilience in the face of economic difficulties.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Sunnyside has consistently maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a "Black Majority." The Black population has remained above 90% for the entire decade, experiencing only minor fluctuations. A slight decrease to 93% occurred in 2020, accompanied by an increase in the "Two or More Races" category to 6%, but this shift was temporary and did not fundamentally alter the neighborhood's demographic composition.
The stability in racial composition indicates strong community ties and possibly limited gentrification or large-scale demographic changes that have affected other urban areas across the United States. This consistency may be attributed to historical patterns of segregation, limited economic opportunities for relocation, or a strong cultural attachment to the neighborhood.
The median income in Sunnyside has fluctuated significantly over the past decade, but overall remains low. From a low of $17,541 in 2017 to a peak of $28,795 in 2019, the neighborhood has experienced economic volatility. The current median income of $23,290 (2022) represents a slight improvement from the decade's beginning but still indicates significant economic challenges. The brief spike in income in 2019 did not correlate with any notable change in racial composition, suggesting that economic improvements were distributed across the existing population rather than resulting from an influx of new residents.
The population of Sunnyside has declined from 398 in 2013 to 330 in 2022, a decrease of about 17%. This population loss, coupled with persistent low incomes, points to potential issues such as limited job opportunities, out-migration of working-age adults, or broader urban decay challenges.
Sunnyside's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. While many U.S. cities have seen growing Hispanic and Asian populations, Sunnyside has maintained its predominantly Black character. Economically, Sunnyside's median income of $23,290 is significantly below the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2022. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by this community and potentially reflects broader issues of racial economic inequality in the United States.
The population decline in Sunnyside also runs counter to the growth experienced by many urban areas in the past decade, potentially indicating that Jackson, or at least this neighborhood, has not benefited from the urban revitalization seen in some other parts of the country.
Sunnyside presents a picture of a stable, predominantly Black community that has maintained its demographic character over the past decade. However, this stability is paired with persistent economic challenges and population decline, suggesting a need for targeted economic development and community investment strategies to improve the quality of life for residents and potentially attract new community members.
