Irene Chapel: A Study of Racial Demographics in a Low Diversity Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Irene Chapel, a neighborhood in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority". As of 2022, the African American population comprises 91% of the neighborhood, establishing it as a "Black Majority" area. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $26,505. Irene Chapel has historical significance in the civil rights movement, having been a center for community organizing and activism during the 1960s.
Over the past decade, Irene Chapel has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. From 2013 to 2022, the African American population has remained above 88%, with slight fluctuations. The community has not transitioned between diversity categories, maintaining its "Low Diversity" classification throughout the period. There has been an increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, potentially indicating the early stages of a "Transitional Community" in terms of ethnic composition.
The median income in Irene Chapel has shown volatility over the years. From 2013 to 2019, there was a gradual increase from $17,425 to $26,333. In 2020 and 2021, median income reached $45,853 and $51,424 respectively, before declining to $26,505 in 2022. These economic fluctuations have not significantly altered the racial demographics of the area. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 636 and 868 residents over the decade.
The persistent "Black Majority" status of Irene Chapel is notable in the context of national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. While many cities across the U.S. have experienced significant demographic shifts due to immigration and internal migration, Irene Chapel has maintained a relatively stable racial composition. This stability might be attributed to historical factors, including patterns of residential segregation and strong community ties.
The economic volatility observed, particularly the sharp rise and fall in median income between 2020 and 2022, is unusual and may reflect broader economic disruptions. This pattern diverges from national trends, which generally showed more gradual changes in median income during this period.
The gradual increase in the Hispanic population, while still small, aligns with broader national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various regions of the United States. This subtle shift could potentially lead to increased diversity in the neighborhood over time, though it remains to be seen if this trend will continue or accelerate.
Irene Chapel presents a case of demographic stability amidst economic volatility. Its strong "Black Majority" status has persisted through significant economic fluctuations, reflecting deep-rooted community ties. The neighborhood's future may see gradual diversification, particularly with the growing Hispanic population, potentially leading to a transition from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" in the coming years if current trends continue.
