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Demographic Evolution of Brier Hill: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Brier Hill, a neighborhood in Youngstown, Ohio, exhibits demographic evolution. As of 2022, it is categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" community, with a White plurality (49%) and a significant Black population (37%). The neighborhood's median income is $30,841 in 2022. Brier Hill is historically known for its Italian-American heritage and was once the center of Youngstown's steel industry.
Over the past decade, Brier Hill has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was classified as having a "White Majority" with 58% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" category, with no racial group holding a majority. The Black population has remained relatively stable, ranging from 35% to 42% throughout the decade.
A trend is the gradual increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations. The Hispanic population grew from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, while those identifying as two or more races increased from 3% to 8%. This trend suggests that Brier Hill is becoming a "Transitional Community," with increasing diversity over time.
The median income in Brier Hill has fluctuated over the past decade, showing no clear upward trend. It peaked at $33,125 in 2014 but has since oscillated between approximately $27,000 and $31,000. This economic stagnation correlates with the demographic shifts, potentially indicating that the increasing diversity has not been accompanied by significant economic growth.
The population of Brier Hill has declined steadily from 4,864 in 2013 to 3,587 in 2022, a decrease of about 26%. This population loss, combined with the shifting demographics and stagnant income levels, suggests a community in transition, possibly facing economic challenges that are influencing both out-migration and changing racial composition.
The demographic shifts in Brier Hill mirror broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly in the Rust Belt region. Many former industrial cities have experienced similar patterns of population decline, increasing diversity, and economic challenges. However, Brier Hill's transition appears to be more pronounced than national averages, particularly in terms of population loss.
The stagnant median income in Brier Hill contrasts with national trends, where median household income has generally increased over the past decade. This disparity highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by former industrial neighborhoods in the Midwest.
Brier Hill exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly White community to one of moderate diversity. This shift, coupled with population decline and economic stagnation, indicates a community adapting to changing demographic realities. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader trends in post-industrial American cities, while its unique cultural heritage adds context to its ongoing transformation.
