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Demographic Analysis of Fitzgerald, Detroit: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Fitzgerald neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority" of Black residents, comprising 95% of the population in 2022. The median income in Fitzgerald was $30,367 in 2022, indicating economic challenges common in urban Detroit neighborhoods. Fitzgerald has been the focus of recent urban revitalization efforts, including the Fitzgerald Revitalization Project.
Over the past decade, Fitzgerald has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a strong "Racial Majority" of Black residents. The percentage of Black residents has remained stable, ranging from 94% to 96% between 2013 and 2022. This stability indicates a well-established African American community with limited influx of other racial groups.
Minor demographic shifts have occurred, including a slight increase in the white population from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, and the emergence and subsequent decline of residents identifying as two or more races, peaking at 2% from 2015-2020 and settling at 1% in 2022. These minor changes suggest the beginnings of a gradual diversification process.
The median income in Fitzgerald has shown an upward trend over the past decade, increasing from $25,198 in 2013 to $30,367 in 2022, a rise of approximately 20%. This growth, while positive, still places the neighborhood below national and state median income levels.
The period of most rapid income growth coincided with a slight population increase and a small rise in white residents. From 2017 to 2019, median income increased from $24,479 to $30,506, a significant increase of about 25% in two years. During this same period, the population grew from 10,192 to 10,969, and the percentage of white residents increased from 1% to 2%. This correlation suggests the neighborhood may be experiencing early stages of gentrification or revitalization.
Fitzgerald's demographic stability contrasts with broader trends in Detroit, which has seen more significant shifts in racial composition in some areas due to gentrification and urban redevelopment initiatives. However, the neighborhood's gradual income growth aligns with city-wide efforts to revitalize Detroit's economy following its 2013 bankruptcy.
The persistence of a strong Black majority in Fitzgerald reflects the deep-rooted African American culture in many of Detroit's neighborhoods. This stability can be both a strength, preserving community ties and cultural heritage, and a challenge, potentially limiting the influx of new resources and diverse perspectives that can drive economic growth.
Fitzgerald's economic progress, while notable, still leaves the neighborhood facing significant challenges. The 2022 median income of $30,367 is well below the national median of around $70,000, highlighting the ongoing economic disparities faced by many predominantly Black urban communities across the United States.
In conclusion, while Fitzgerald has maintained its character as a predominantly Black neighborhood with low diversity, subtle demographic shifts and economic improvements suggest the early stages of change. The challenge for the community and city planners will be to foster economic growth and potentially increase diversity while preserving the neighborhood's cultural identity and preventing displacement of long-time residents.
