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Demographic Transition in Overton: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Overton neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition, with 57% of the population identifying as white in 2022. This neighborhood is undergoing a transition towards a more diverse racial makeup. The median income in 2022 was $64,385, showing an increase from previous years. Overton is known for its historic architecture and tree-lined streets, which have been attracting a more diverse population in recent years.
Over the past decade, Overton has experienced a shift in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity, with white residents comprising 73% of the population. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 57%, while the Black population increased from 20% to 31%. This trend suggests a transition from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity, with two racial groups (White and Black) now having significant representation.
The Hispanic and Asian populations have shown steady growth. The Hispanic population increased from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, while the Asian population grew from 4% to 6% in the same period. This gradual increase in minority populations indicates that Overton is becoming a Transitional Community, moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic shifts in Overton have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $59,809 to $64,385, representing a 7.6% growth over nine years. This growth was not linear. The neighborhood experienced a peak in median income in 2014 at $66,368, followed by a decline to $53,755 in 2016, before gradually recovering.
The population of Overton has seen significant changes, dropping from 4,332 in 2010 to a low of 3,479 in 2013, before steadily increasing to 4,625 in 2022. This population growth, coupled with the increasing diversity, suggests that the neighborhood is becoming more attractive to a wider range of residents.
The economic fluctuations and demographic shifts appear to be interrelated. The period of lowest median income (2016) coincides with the early stages of increasing diversity, possibly indicating initial economic challenges during this transition. As the community has become more diverse, the median income has generally trended upward, suggesting a positive economic impact of increased diversity.
The demographic shifts observed in Overton reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban and suburban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced similar transitions from predominantly white neighborhoods to more diverse communities. Overton's transition appears to be more gradual and stable compared to some rapidly changing urban areas, which might contribute to its economic resilience.
The modest income growth in Overton, while positive, may be lower than national averages for the same period. This could indicate that while the neighborhood is becoming more diverse, it may be facing some economic challenges or may be part of a region with slower economic growth compared to national trends.
Overton is undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving from a Low Diversity, White Majority community to a more diverse, potentially Moderate Diversity neighborhood. This shift is accompanied by modest economic growth and population increases, suggesting that the neighborhood is adapting positively to these changes. As Overton continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these demographic shifts influence local culture, community dynamics, and economic opportunities in the coming years.
