Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of North East Lake: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
North East Lake, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, is classified as a "Black Majority" community with 72% of its population identifying as Black in 2022. The neighborhood has undergone demographic changes and economic fluctuations over the past decade. North East Lake is located near East Lake Park, a historic recreational area that has been central to community activities and environmental initiatives in recent years.
From 2013 to 2022, North East Lake has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community. The percentage of Black residents has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 70% and 77% over the decade. The White population has decreased from 23% in 2013 to 20% in 2022, with a low point of 13% in 2019. The Hispanic population has grown from 3% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, peaking at 10% in 2017 and 2019. Other racial groups, including Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander, have maintained consistently low or nonexistent representation throughout the decade.
The economic landscape of North East Lake has shown volatility over the past decade. The median income peaked at $37,859 in 2014 but dropped to a low of $30,041 in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2022, it has rebounded to $33,747, which is still lower than the 2013 level. The neighborhood has experienced a substantial population decline, from 2,221 residents in 2013 to 1,553 in 2022, representing a 30% decrease.
The economic trends correlate with the demographic shifts. As the White population decreased and the Hispanic population increased, there was a general downward trend in median income. This suggests that incoming Hispanic residents may be in lower-income brackets, possibly seeking more affordable housing options in the area.
The persistent Black majority in North East Lake is consistent with broader trends in many urban areas of the American South, particularly in cities like Birmingham with historically large Black populations. The gradual increase in Hispanic population aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various urban and suburban areas across the United States. The significant population decline in North East Lake is more severe than typical urban population shifts and may indicate local challenges such as lack of economic opportunities, housing issues, or other factors driving residents to other areas. The median income in North East Lake is likely below both the national and Alabama state median incomes, suggesting that this neighborhood faces more economic challenges than average.
North East Lake has maintained its status as a Black Majority community, but has experienced subtle demographic shifts, particularly in its growing Hispanic population. These changes, coupled with economic fluctuations and significant population decline, indicate a neighborhood in transition, facing challenges but also potentially opening up to increased diversity in the coming years.
