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Demographic Analysis of East Thomas: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Thomas, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity with a predominantly Black population. As of 2022, the neighborhood falls under the "Black Majority" category, with 99% of residents identifying as Black. The median income of $37,867 in 2022 is lower than the national average, suggesting economic challenges within the community. East Thomas is located near the historic Birmingham Civil Rights District.
Over the past decade, East Thomas has consistently maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood showed signs of moving towards "Moderate Diversity" with a growing Hispanic population (reaching 15% in 2016). Post-2016, there was a reversal of this trend, with the Black population percentage increasing steadily. By 2021-2022, the neighborhood had solidified its "Low Diversity" status, with 99% of the population identifying as Black.
The median income in East Thomas has fluctuated over the years, showing a correlation with demographic shifts. Income peaked in 2017 at $42,645, coinciding with the period of slightly higher diversity. As the neighborhood became less diverse post-2017, there was a general decline in median income. The most recent data (2022) shows a slight recovery in income, but still below the 2017 peak.
The demographic trends in East Thomas reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The brief increase in Hispanic population from 2013-2016 aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in urban areas. The subsequent re-homogenization might be indicative of gentrification pressures or changes in local housing policies, which have been observed in other historically Black neighborhoods across the country. The correlation between diversity and income levels mirrors findings in other urban studies, where diverse neighborhoods often show higher economic vitality.
East Thomas's extremely high percentage of Black residents (99% in 2022) is notably higher than national averages for urban Black communities, suggesting unique local factors influencing its demographic composition.
East Thomas has maintained its status as a Black Majority neighborhood throughout the decade. Subtle shifts in diversity and economic indicators highlight the complex interplay between racial composition and economic well-being in urban communities. The neighborhood's trajectory underscores the importance of understanding local historical contexts and broader socio-economic trends in shaping community demographics.
