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Demographic Analysis of Belview Heights: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Belview Heights, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority." As of 2022, the neighborhood has a 93% Black population, establishing it as a Black Majority area. The median income in Belview Heights was $33,654 in 2022, which is below the national median household income. The neighborhood has historical significance in Birmingham's civil rights movement, with community centers and churches that were involved in organizing during the 1960s.
Over the past decade, Belview Heights has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Racial Majority." The Black population has remained stable, fluctuating between 92% and 94% from 2013 to 2022. This stability suggests a deeply rooted African American community with limited in-migration from other racial groups. The White population has shown minimal variation, remaining around 5-7% throughout the period. The Hispanic population has shown a slight increase from 0% in 2013 to 1% in 2022, potentially indicating the beginnings of a gradual diversification.
The median income in Belview Heights has experienced fluctuations over the years, with a general upward trend from 2013 to 2018, followed by a decline. The peak was reached in 2018 at $37,589, representing a 27% increase from 2013. By 2022, the median income had decreased to $33,654, a 10% drop from the 2018 peak. These economic shifts do not appear to have significantly impacted the racial composition of the neighborhood, suggesting that the community's demographic stability is influenced by factors beyond economic conditions.
The demographic stability of Belview Heights contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. While many U.S. cities have experienced growing Hispanic and Asian populations, Belview Heights has maintained its predominantly Black demographic profile. Economically, the neighborhood's median income consistently falls below both the national and Alabama state medians. In 2022, the U.S. median household income was approximately $70,784, more than double that of Belview Heights. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by this community.
The population of Belview Heights has remained relatively stable over the decade, with a slight decrease from 9,238 in 2010 to 8,524 in 2022. This stability in both population and racial composition, despite economic fluctuations, suggests a strong community attachment and limited gentrification pressures that have affected many urban neighborhoods across the country.
Belview Heights presents a case of demographic resilience amidst economic challenges. Its consistent "Low Diversity" and "Racial Majority" status over the past decade reflects the enduring nature of historically Black communities in the South, even as they face ongoing economic pressures. The neighborhood's stability may offer opportunities for targeted economic development initiatives that build on the strong community ties while addressing the persistent income gap with national averages.
