Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Enon Ridge: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Enon Ridge, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a predominantly Black population (97% in 2022). The neighborhood has maintained this racial composition consistently over the past decade. Economically, Enon Ridge has seen gradual improvement, with median income rising from $22,114 in 2013 to $30,020 in 2022, though it remains significantly below national averages. This neighborhood is known for its historical significance in Birmingham's civil rights movement, with several landmarks and community centers dedicated to preserving this legacy.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), Enon Ridge has consistently maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a strong Black Majority. The percentage of Black residents has remained remarkably stable, fluctuating only slightly between 96% and 99%. This stability suggests a deeply rooted African American community with strong cultural ties to the area. There have been minor shifts in other racial categories, particularly from 2019 onwards. A small increase in the "Other" category (from 0% to 2% between 2018 and 2019), the emergence of a small White population (2% in 2021, 1% in 2022), and a slight increase in residents identifying as Two or More Races (1% in 2020) have been observed. These minor changes hint at the beginnings of a very slow diversification process, but the neighborhood remains overwhelmingly Black.
The median income in Enon Ridge has shown a steady upward trend. In 2013, it was $22,114, increasing to $24,685 in 2017, $30,065 in 2020, and $30,020 in 2022. This represents a 35.8% increase in median income over nine years. However, it is important to note that despite this growth, the median income remains well below the national average. The population has also grown moderately, from 604 in 2013 to 869 in 2022. This 43.9% population increase suggests that Enon Ridge is becoming a more attractive place to live, possibly due to improving economic conditions or other local factors.
While Enon Ridge has seen improvements in median income, it is crucial to contextualize this growth. The national median household income in 2022 was approximately $70,784, more than double that of Enon Ridge. This disparity highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by this predominantly Black community.
The demographic stability of Enon Ridge contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations and increasing multiracial identification. Enon Ridge's racial composition has remained largely unchanged, which could be attributed to historical patterns of segregation, strong community ties, or limited economic opportunities that might attract a more diverse population.
The neighborhood's population growth (43.9% over nine years) outpaces both Alabama's overall population growth (about 5% from 2010 to 2020) and Birmingham's population change (which has been relatively flat or slightly declining). This suggests that Enon Ridge is attracting new residents at a higher rate than its surrounding areas, possibly due to its improving economic conditions, affordable housing, or strong community bonds.
In conclusion, while Enon Ridge remains a Low Diversity, Black Majority community facing economic challenges, the neighborhood shows signs of gradual improvement in income levels and population growth. These trends, if sustained, could potentially lead to more significant demographic and economic changes in the future, though currently, the neighborhood's character remains firmly rooted in its African American heritage and community strength.
