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Demographic Transition in Audubon-Kirkwood: From White Majority to Black Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Audubon-Kirkwood neighborhood in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, exhibits a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. The population is 703 with an estimated 269 housing units. It is classified as a "Majority-Minority" area, with Black residents constituting 59% of the population. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 is $25,769, which is lower than the national median. Audubon-Kirkwood has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade, transitioning from a predominantly White area to its current majority-Black composition.
The neighborhood experienced notable demographic shifts from 2013 to 2022. From 2013 to 2016, it was a "White Majority" community, with White residents consistently comprising over 60% of the population. Between 2017 and 2019, a transition period began, moving towards "Moderate Diversity" as the White majority decreased and the Black population increased. In 2020, the area became categorized as "High Diversity," with no racial group exceeding 50% and significant representation from White (50%), Black (39%), and Hispanic (4%) populations. From 2021 to 2022, a rapid shift occurred, leading to the current "Majority-Minority" status with a Black majority (59% in 2022).
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2014, when the area was predominantly White, median incomes were highest (over $52,000). Between 2015 and 2019, as diversity increased, median incomes decreased significantly, hovering around $30,000. From 2020 to 2022, with the shift to a Black majority, median incomes further decreased to around $25,000. The population has also fluctuated, with a notable increase from 343 in 2020 to 703 in 2022, coinciding with the shift to a Black majority.
The rapid demographic change in Audubon-Kirkwood is more dramatic than typical neighborhood transitions seen nationally. While many U.S. cities have experienced increasing diversity over the past decade, such a complete reversal in racial majority within 10 years is uncommon. The corresponding decrease in median income suggests that this demographic shift may be partly driven by economic factors, such as changes in local industry or housing market dynamics.
The trend in Audubon-Kirkwood reflects broader national patterns of increasing diversity but at an accelerated pace. It is possible that local factors, such as changes in university enrollment, shifts in local employment opportunities, or targeted urban development initiatives, have contributed to this rapid transformation.
This analysis reveals a neighborhood in significant transition, both demographically and economically. The rapid shift from a White Majority to a Majority-Minority community, coupled with declining median incomes, suggests complex social and economic forces at work. Understanding these changes is crucial for local policymakers and community leaders to address potential challenges and opportunities arising from this demographic evolution.
