Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Metawanee Hills: A Predominantly African American Neighborhood in Flint, Michigan
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Metawanee Hills, a neighborhood in Flint, Michigan, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority." As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 1,271, with African Americans comprising 77% of the residents. The median income in 2022 is $28,086. Metawanee Hills has been affected by Flint's water crisis, which began in 2014 and has influenced the community's demographics and economic conditions.
Over the past decade, Metawanee Hills has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. From 2013 to 2018, the neighborhood showed signs of moving towards "Moderate Diversity." The percentage of Black residents decreased from 71% to 65%, while the White population increased from 15% to 30%. After 2018, this trend reversed, with the Black population increasing to 77% by 2022, reinforcing the neighborhood's "Low Diversity" status. The Hispanic population has shown a gradual increase from 1% in 2017 to 5% in 2022.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes. The median income has grown from $17,357 in 2013 to $28,086 in 2022, a 62% increase. This growth coincided with the initial trend towards greater diversity up to 2018. The income peaked at $33,701 in 2021 before dropping in 2022, aligning with the reinforcement of the Black majority and decrease in diversity. The population has decreased significantly, from 2,669 in 2010 to 1,271 in 2022, suggesting outmigration.
The demographic and economic trends in Metawanee Hills can be contextualized within broader patterns. The neighborhood's persistent Black majority contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. The median income, while growing, remains below the national median ($70,784 in 2021), reflecting broader economic challenges in Flint and similar post-industrial cities. The population decline in Metawanee Hills is more severe than Flint's overall population loss, suggesting localized factors affecting this neighborhood more acutely. The temporary trend towards increased diversity (2013-2018) and subsequent reversal might reflect broader patterns of gentrification and subsequent displacement seen in many urban areas across the US.
Metawanee Hills presents a complex picture of a predominantly African American neighborhood grappling with economic challenges and population loss. While showing some signs of economic improvement, the neighborhood has not followed national trends towards increased diversity. The impact of the Flint water crisis likely plays a significant role in these demographic and economic shifts, underscoring the effect that environmental and public health issues can have on community composition and stability.
