Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Wakefield: From Black Plurality to Black Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Wakefield neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas, demonstrates a demographic profile categorized as a "Racial Majority" community with a Black majority. As of 2022, 75% of the population identifies as Black, with other racial groups having smaller representations. The neighborhood's median income has remained relatively stable over the past decade, around $32,000. Wakefield has historical significance in Little Rock's civil rights movement, with community centers and churches playing roles in local activism.
Over the past decade, Wakefield has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "Black Plurality" with 61% of the population identifying as Black. By 2017, this shifted to a "Racial Majority" status as the Black population increased to 72%, reaching 75% by 2022. The White population declined from 16% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, between 11% and 17% over the decade. This shift suggests a consolidation of the Black community in Wakefield.
The median income in Wakefield has shown fluctuation but overall stability over the past decade. It started at $32,093 in 2013, decreased to $27,980 in 2015, and recovered to $33,092 in 2021. The population of Wakefield has declined from 4,618 in 2013 to 2,973 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with relative stability in median income, could indicate a consolidation of resources among remaining residents or the outmigration of lower-income households.
The demographic shifts in Wakefield reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically diverse neighborhoods sometimes experience a consolidation of specific racial groups. This phenomenon is often referred to as "re-segregation" and can be influenced by factors such as gentrification, housing policies, and economic opportunities.
The economic stability of Wakefield, despite population decline, is noteworthy when compared to national trends. While many urban neighborhoods experiencing demographic shifts often see more dramatic changes in median income, Wakefield's relative stability suggests economic resilience within its predominantly Black community.
Wakefield's evolution over the past decade from a Black Plurality to a strong Black Majority community, coupled with its economic stability amidst population decline, presents a complex picture of urban demographic change. This trend raises questions about community cohesion, economic opportunities, and the factors driving both population loss and racial consolidation in urban neighborhoods.
