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Racial Demographics and Neighborhood Analysis of Greater Belhaven, Jackson, Mississippi
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Greater Belhaven, a neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, currently exhibits a "White Majority" demographic profile, with 56% of its population identifying as white in 2022. This majority is relatively slim, indicating a trend towards increased diversity. The neighborhood has experienced economic fluctuations over the past decade, with median income reaching a peak of $58,453 in 2018 before declining to $54,853 in 2022. Greater Belhaven is known for its historic character, featuring many early 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets, which contributes to its unique appeal within Jackson.
Over the past decade, Greater Belhaven has undergone a gradual transition from a "Low Diversity" community to one approaching "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited a clear "White Majority" with 64% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 56%, while the Black population increased from 28% to 40% during the same period. This shift suggests a trend towards a more diverse community composition. If this trend continues, Greater Belhaven could soon transition to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, where two racial groups (White and Black) have significant representation, each exceeding 20% of the population. The Hispanic population, while still small, has shown consistent growth from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022, indicating a gradual diversification beyond the primary White and Black demographics.
The neighborhood's economic trajectory has been volatile over the past decade. Median income rose from $45,265 in 2013 to a peak of $58,453 in 2018, representing a 29% increase. This was followed by a decline, with median income settling at $54,853 in 2022. The period of highest median income (2018) coincided with the point where the White population first dipped below 60% and the Black population rose above 35%. This suggests that the initial phases of increased diversity may have corresponded with economic growth in the neighborhood. The population of Greater Belhaven has steadily decreased from 6,309 in 2013 to 4,911 in 2022, a 22% reduction. This population decline, coupled with the fluctuating median income, could indicate changing neighborhood dynamics, possibly related to gentrification or urban renewal processes.
The demographic shifts observed in Greater Belhaven align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically predominantly white neighborhoods are becoming more diverse. This trend is often associated with changing urban preferences, generational shifts, and economic factors. The economic volatility experienced by Greater Belhaven, particularly the sharp rise and subsequent decline in median income, is somewhat atypical. Many urban areas have seen more consistent income growth over the past decade. This unique pattern might be related to specific local factors in Jackson or Mississippi more broadly.
The population decline in Greater Belhaven contrasts with the general trend of urban population growth seen in many U.S. cities over the same period. This could be indicative of broader challenges facing Jackson or specific issues within the neighborhood itself, such as housing affordability or changing preferences among residents.
Greater Belhaven is undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving towards increased diversity. This shift has been accompanied by economic fluctuations and population decline. The neighborhood appears to be in a state of flux, potentially positioning itself for a new phase of development and community composition in the coming years.
