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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Windyke-Southwind neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, exhibits a distinctive demographic profile as of 2022. It is classified as a "Black Majority" community, with African Americans constituting 51% of the population. The neighborhood is characterized by its affluent status within Memphis, with a median income of $88,991 in 2022, which exceeds the national median. Windyke-Southwind has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade, evolving from a more evenly mixed community to its current composition.
From 2013 to 2022, Windyke-Southwind underwent a series of demographic transitions. In 2013, it was categorized as "Moderate Diversity," with a nearly equal distribution between White (47%) and Black (44%) residents, and a small Asian population (7%). The neighborhood maintained this classification until 2016, with minor fluctuations in the White and Black populations. In 2017, it briefly shifted to "White Plurality" status, with 54% White and 34% Black residents. The years 2018-2019 saw a return to "Moderate Diversity" with a more balanced distribution. In 2020-2021, the neighborhood entered "Majority-Minority" status as the White population decreased below 40%. Finally, in 2022, it achieved "Black Majority" status with 51% Black residents.
The economic trajectory of Windyke-Southwind has been generally positive. The median income increased from $82,494 in 2013 to $88,991 in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 7.9%. This growth was not linear, with an initial decline from 2013 to 2015 (from $82,494 to $74,131), followed by an overall upward trend with some fluctuations from 2015 to 2022. Notably, the periods of highest income growth coincided with increased diversity and the shift towards a Black majority. For instance, a significant increase in median income occurred from 2019 ($78,536) to 2020 ($86,001) as the neighborhood transitioned to a majority-minority status.
Population figures indicate an overall increase from 5,467 in 2013 to 6,705 in 2022, suggesting the neighborhood's growing attractiveness, possibly due to its economic opportunities and changing demographic composition.
The demographic shifts in Windyke-Southwind reflect broader trends observed in many American suburbs, where increasing diversity has become more prevalent. However, the neighborhood's transition to a Black majority, coupled with rising incomes, is particularly noteworthy. This trend contrasts with many urban areas where increasing diversity often correlates with gentrification and displacement of minority populations.
The steady increase in median income, particularly in recent years, suggests that Windyke-Southwind has maintained its status as an affluent area despite demographic changes. This pattern diverges from national trends where racial wealth gaps persist, indicating that the neighborhood may offer unique economic opportunities for its Black residents.
Windyke-Southwind's evolution over the past decade presents a case of demographic transition coupled with economic resilience. The shift from a moderately diverse community to a Black majority area, accompanied by rising incomes, challenges common narratives about race and wealth in American neighborhoods. This trend suggests a complex interplay of factors shaping the community's socio-economic landscape, potentially offering insights into successful models of inclusive suburban growth.