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Demographic Analysis of Kingston, Birmingham: Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Kingston, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits characteristics of a Low Diversity community with a Racial Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 95% Black, indicating a stable African American majority. The median income in 2022 was $14,049, suggesting significant economic challenges. Kingston, located in one of Alabama's major urban centers, provides insight into the persistence of racial segregation and economic disparities in American cities.
Kingston has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a Black Racial Majority over the past decade. The percentage of Black residents has remained stable, varying between 93% and 99% from 2013 to 2022. This stability indicates entrenched residential patterns and limited influx of other racial groups. In 2021 and 2022, a small Hispanic population (5% and 4% respectively) emerged, and in 2022, a 1% Native American presence was recorded. These minor changes could potentially indicate the early stages of a Transitional Community, albeit at a very slow pace.
The economic trajectory of Kingston over the past decade has been characterized by fluctuation and overall decline. The median income peaked in 2014 at $20,256 but has since experienced a downward trend, reaching $14,049 in 2022. This represents a 30.6% decrease in median income over eight years. The population has shown a general upward trend despite the economic challenges, growing from 2,344 in 2013 to 2,402 in 2022. This population growth, coupled with declining incomes, suggests increasing economic pressure on residents and potentially overcrowding in available housing.
The slight increase in racial diversity coincides with the period of lowest median incomes. This could indicate that economic factors are driving some demographic changes, possibly through the influx of lower-income residents from other racial groups seeking affordable housing options.
Kingston's demographic and economic trends contrast with national trends towards increasing diversity and rising median incomes in many urban areas. While many U.S. cities have experienced gentrification and displacement of low-income and minority residents, Kingston appears to be maintaining its racial composition while experiencing economic decline.
The persistent low diversity and economic challenges in Kingston reflect broader patterns of racial and economic segregation often seen in older, industrial cities in the American South. Birmingham, like many post-industrial cities, has struggled with economic restructuring and the legacy of historical segregation.
The slight increase in Hispanic population aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic populations in urban areas across the United States. However, the scale of this change in Kingston is much smaller than in many other urban neighborhoods experiencing rapid demographic shifts.
Kingston presents a case study of a neighborhood grappling with persistent racial segregation and economic challenges. While showing signs of potential transition, the pace of change is slow, and the community faces significant hurdles in achieving greater diversity and economic prosperity. This analysis underscores the complex interplay between racial demographics, economic conditions, and urban development in American cities.
