The Bates neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, has undergone a significant demographic transition over the past decade. In 2013, it was categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" area, with a nearly even split between white (58%) and black (34%) populations. By 2022, it had shifted to a "White Majority" status, with the white population increasing to 65% and the black population decreasing to 27%. This transition appears to have been gradual, with the community briefly touching on "High Diversity" status around 2016-2017.

The demographic shifts in Bates correlate with economic changes. The median income has shown an upward trend, rising from $34,381 in 2013 to $53,270 in 2022, an increase of about 55%. This income growth coincides with the increasing white majority, suggesting a possible gentrification process. The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 1,200 and 1,500 residents, with a noticeable dip around 2019-2020 before rebounding to 1,480 in 2022.

The demographic trends in Bates reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically diverse neighborhoods experience gentrification and demographic shifts. The increase in median income and the growing white majority are often indicators of such processes. Nationally, many cities have seen similar trends of increasing income inequality and racial segregation. However, Bates' transition appears more pronounced than the national average.