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Demographic Analysis of Ensley Highlands: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Ensley Highlands neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority" of Black residents, who comprise 89% of the population as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced a significant population decline, decreasing from 5,951 residents in 2010 to 4,430 in 2022. The median income in Ensley Highlands was $27,149 in 2022, indicating economic challenges. This area was previously the location of the Ensley Steel Works, an industrial complex that influenced the neighborhood's historical and demographic development throughout the 20th century.
From 2013 to 2022, Ensley Highlands has consistently maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Racial Majority" of Black residents. The Black population has remained relatively stable, ranging between 84% and 91% over the decade. The White population has shown a slight increase, rising from 4% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, but this change has not been sufficient to alter the neighborhood's "Low Diversity" classification. The community has not undergone any significant transitions between diversity categories. However, a subtle trend towards increased diversity is evident, with minor growths in the White, Asian, and Hispanic populations.
The median income in Ensley Highlands has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $26,966 in 2013 to $27,149 in 2022. This growth has not been consistent, with notable fluctuations over the years. The lowest point was $21,878 in 2014, while the highest was $28,656 in 2021. The slight increase in diversity, particularly the growth in the White population, correlates with the overall increase in median income. This correlation may suggest that the neighborhood is experiencing some degree of gentrification or economic development, attracting a more diverse population.
The significant population decline from 5,951 in 2010 to 4,430 in 2022 may be linked to economic challenges. The periods of lower median income (2014-2016) coincide with steeper population declines, suggesting that economic factors may have driven out-migration.
The demographic composition of Ensley Highlands, with its strong Black majority, reflects broader patterns in Birmingham, which is known for its significant African American population. However, the neighborhood's lack of diversity contrasts with growing diversity trends in many urban areas across the United States. The median income in Ensley Highlands ($27,149 in 2022) is significantly below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This income disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by this community compared to national averages.
The population decline in Ensley Highlands mirrors trends seen in many post-industrial urban neighborhoods across the Rust Belt and parts of the South. The legacy of deindustrialization, particularly the closure of steel mills like the Ensley Steel Works, has left lasting impacts on communities like this one, contributing to population loss and economic struggles.
In conclusion, while Ensley Highlands has maintained its demographic character as a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood over the past decade, subtle shifts towards increased diversity and modest income growth suggest the potential for future changes. However, persistent economic challenges and population decline indicate that the neighborhood continues to grapple with the long-term effects of industrial decline and urban transformation.
