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Washington Square, Mobile: Demographic Transition from Black to White Majority (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Washington Square in Mobile, Alabama, transitioned from a Black Majority to a White Majority neighborhood between 2013 and 2022. The white population increased to 59% of residents by 2022. This demographic shift coincided with significant economic changes, as evidenced by the increase in median income from $39,977 in 2013 to $55,912 in 2022.
The neighborhood experienced a notable transition in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, Washington Square was categorized as a Black Majority community, with 57% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, it had shifted to a White Majority, with 59% of residents identifying as white. This change indicates a Transitional Community. The Hispanic and Asian populations remained consistently low throughout the period, never exceeding 1% of the total population. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 0% in 2013 to 6% in 2022.
The demographic shift correlated with a significant increase in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income rose by approximately 40%, from $39,977 to $55,912. This increase suggests gentrification may be occurring, with higher-income residents, predominantly white, moving into the area. Simultaneously, the population decreased from 2,547 in 2013 to 1,918 in 2022, a reduction of about 25%. This population decline, coupled with rising incomes and changing racial demographics, could indicate displacement of lower-income residents.
The trends observed in Washington Square align with patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically Black neighborhoods experience an influx of white residents and rising property values. The median income growth in Washington Square outpaces the national average, which saw an increase of about 23% from 2013 to 2022. This above-average growth further supports the hypothesis of rapid economic changes in the neighborhood.
The increasing percentage of residents identifying as two or more races reflects a broader national trend of growing multiracial identification, particularly among younger generations. This shift towards a more complex racial identity landscape is observed in many urban areas across the country.
Washington Square has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, transitioning from a Black Majority to a White Majority community. This change has been accompanied by substantial increases in median income and a decrease in overall population, suggesting a process of gentrification. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes impact long-term residents and the overall character of the community.
