Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Blackstone Park: A Predominantly African American Neighborhood in Detroit
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Blackstone Park, a neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority." As of 2022, the neighborhood has a 94% Black population, establishing it as a Black Majority area. The median income in 2022 was $31,332, which is below the national median. Blackstone Park has maintained its predominantly Black demographic composition over the past decade, showing stability in its racial makeup despite urban demographic shifts often seen in other parts of Detroit.
The neighborhood has consistently maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" area with a strong "Black Majority" from 2013 to 2022. The Black population has remained above 90% throughout this period, with minimal fluctuations. The "Two or More Races" category increased slightly from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, indicating a minor trend towards increased diversity, but not enough to alter the neighborhood's overall categorization.
The median income in Blackstone Park has shown considerable volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, there have been significant fluctuations, including a sharp decline from $33,058 in 2013 to $26,319 in 2014, a gradual increase to $34,064 by 2017, another decline to $30,619 in 2018, a substantial rise to $41,457 in 2021, and a significant drop to $31,332 in 2022. These economic fluctuations do not appear to have significantly impacted the racial composition of the neighborhood.
Population trends show a slight overall decrease from 5,227 in 2013 to 4,237 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. The peak population of 5,798 in 2019 coincided with a period of relatively stable median income, suggesting a possible correlation between economic stability and population growth.
Blackstone Park's demographic stability contrasts with broader trends in many urban areas across the United States, where increased diversity and gentrification have led to significant demographic shifts. The neighborhood's persistent Black Majority status aligns more closely with historical patterns in Detroit, known for its significant Black population.
The economic volatility experienced in Blackstone Park reflects broader challenges faced by many Detroit neighborhoods in the aftermath of the city's economic struggles and bankruptcy. The brief period of income growth from 2019 to 2021 might have been influenced by national economic trends, including pandemic-related financial support measures.
The neighborhood's median income, even at its peak, remains below the national median, highlighting the ongoing economic challenges faced by many Detroit communities. Despite these challenges, the stable racial composition suggests a strong sense of community and cultural identity that has persisted through economic ups and downs.
Blackstone Park presents a case of demographic stability amid economic fluctuations, maintaining its character as a predominantly Black neighborhood despite broader urban trends towards increased diversity. This stability may indicate strong community ties and cultural significance, but also raises questions about economic mobility and the factors influencing neighborhood demographics in urban America.
