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Demographic Analysis of Carver Neighborhood: A Black Majority Community in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Carver neighborhood in Dothan, Alabama, is classified as a Low Diversity area with a strong Black Majority. As of 2022, 89% of the population identifies as Black, with a Hispanic presence of 5%. The neighborhood has experienced a population decline from 1,327 residents in 2010 to 952 in 2022. This decline, along with fluctuating median incomes, indicates economic challenges. The neighborhood is named after George Washington Carver, an African American scientist and inventor, reflecting its strong Black identity.
Over the past decade, Carver has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. From 2013 to 2019, the Black population percentage remained between 91% and 94%. Since 2020, there has been a slight decrease in the Black majority to 89% in 2022, coupled with an increase in the Hispanic population from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The White population has fluctuated between 4% and 8% throughout the decade. These changes suggest the beginnings of a potential Transitional Community.
The median income in Carver has fluctuated significantly. From 2013 to 2017, there was an upward trend, peaking at $21,064 in 2017. Since then, there has been a downward trend, with the median income dropping to $17,071 in 2022. This economic decline coincides with the gradual decrease in the Black majority and the increase in the Hispanic population, suggesting a possible correlation between demographic shifts and economic challenges.
The population decline of 28% from 2010 to 2022 further underscores the economic pressures facing the community. This could indicate outmigration, possibly due to limited economic opportunities.
The persistent Black Majority in Carver is consistent with many historically African American neighborhoods in the Southern United States, particularly in smaller cities. The growing Hispanic population mirrors broader national trends of increasing Hispanic populations in traditionally African American communities. The median income in Carver ($17,071 in 2022) is significantly below the national median household income (approximately $70,000 in 2022), indicating severe economic disparities. The population decline in Carver contrasts with the general trend of population growth in many Southern cities, suggesting localized challenges in this neighborhood.
Carver remains a Black Majority community, but subtle demographic shifts and persistent economic challenges point to a neighborhood in transition. The growing Hispanic population and declining overall population suggest the beginnings of demographic change, potentially driven by economic factors. These trends warrant close attention to ensure equitable development and support for all residents in this evolving community.
