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Demographic Analysis of Biddleville: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Charlotte
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Biddleville, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, is classified as a "Black Majority" community. As of 2022, the African American population comprises 60% of the neighborhood, with a median income of $35,795. Biddleville is one of Charlotte's oldest African American neighborhoods and is home to Johnson C. Smith University, a historically black university founded in 1867.
Over the past decade, Biddleville has experienced changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "Black Majority" with 66% of the population being African American. This majority status persisted throughout the decade, with fluctuations. The Black population peaked at 75% in 2016, dropped to 52% in 2021, and rebounded to 60% in 2022. The white population increased from 22% in 2013 to 32% in 2022, indicating a trend towards increased diversity.
The demographic shifts in Biddleville correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2016, as the Black majority strengthened, median income remained relatively stagnant, decreasing slightly from $18,443 to $17,762. Between 2016 and 2021, median income increased significantly from $17,762 to $40,709, coinciding with a decrease in the Black majority and an increase in the white population. In 2022, there was a slight decrease in median income to $35,795, corresponding with a small resurgence in the Black majority.
The demographic changes in Biddleville reflect broader trends of gentrification seen in many urban areas across the United States. The gradual increase in the white population and corresponding rise in median income is consistent with patterns of urban renewal and demographic shift observed in historically Black neighborhoods in other cities.
Biddleville's persistent "Black Majority" status, even in the face of these changes, is noteworthy. It suggests a level of community resilience and cultural preservation that may be attributed to the neighborhood's deep historical roots and the presence of Johnson C. Smith University.
The economic improvements, while significant, still place Biddleville below the national median household income ($70,784 in 2021). This indicates that while the neighborhood is experiencing positive economic change, it still faces challenges in achieving parity with national economic standards.
Biddleville presents a complex picture of a historically Black neighborhood navigating the pressures of gentrification while maintaining its cultural identity. The interplay between racial demographics and economic indicators suggests a community in transition, balancing the benefits of increased diversity and economic growth with the challenges of preserving its unique character and supporting long-term residents.
