Demographic Analysis of Fairfax, Cleveland: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Fairfax, a neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a strong Black majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 4,227 and a median income of $22,877. Fairfax is home to the Cleveland Clinic's main campus, one of the largest medical complexes in the United States, which likely influences the neighborhood's economic and demographic dynamics.
Over the past decade, Fairfax has consistently maintained its status as a neighborhood with low diversity and a Black majority. From 2013 to 2022, the Black population has remained above 90%, qualifying it as a "Low Diversity" area. The Black population percentage decreased slightly from 96% in 2013 to 92% in 2022. There has been a small increase in the White population, from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew to 2% by 2022. The "Two or More Races" category also grew to 2% by 2022.
The median income in Fairfax has shown an upward trend, with fluctuations. It rose from $18,712 in 2013 to $25,121 in 2019, a 34% increase. There was a decrease to $22,686 in 2020, and by 2022, it had slightly recovered to $22,877. This overall increase in median income correlates with the slight diversification of the neighborhood.
Population trends show a decline from 5,017 in 2013 to 4,227 in 2022, a decrease of about 16%. This population decrease, coupled with rising incomes, could indicate a gentrification process in its early stages, potentially driven by the proximity to the Cleveland Clinic.
The median income in Fairfax ($22,877 in 2022) remains below the national median household income (which was around $70,784 in 2021), indicating economic challenges despite observed improvements. The presence of the Cleveland Clinic in Fairfax creates a unique dynamic. Major medical centers often act as anchors for urban development and can attract a diverse workforce.
In conclusion, while Fairfax remains a low-diversity area with a strong Black majority, subtle shifts in demographics and economics over the past decade suggest the potential for changes in the future. The interplay between these demographic shifts, economic trends, and the presence of a major institution like the Cleveland Clinic will likely continue to shape the neighborhood's evolution in the coming years.
