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Demographic Analysis of Oakwood Place: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oakwood Place, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a Black Majority. In 2022, the Black population constituted 81% of the residents, with a median income of $43,605. This neighborhood has undergone significant demographic and economic changes in the past decade, reflecting broader urban transformation trends often observed in historically Black communities in the American South.
From 2013 to 2017, Oakwood Place maintained extremely low diversity, with the Black population consistently at 97% and minimal representation from other groups. Starting in 2018, the neighborhood began showing signs of becoming a Transitional Community. The Black population decreased from 97% to 81%, while Hispanic, Native American, and multiracial populations increased. This trend indicates a gradual diversification, though still maintaining a clear Black Majority.
The demographic shifts correlate with significant economic changes. The median income more than doubled from $18,821 in 2013 to $43,605 in 2022, suggesting economic improvement alongside increasing diversity. Despite income growth, the population decreased from 3,657 in 2010 to 2,318 in 2022, potentially indicating gentrification pressures or out-migration of long-term residents.
The changes in Oakwood Place reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increasing income levels coupled with population decrease suggest possible gentrification, a common phenomenon in historically Black urban neighborhoods. The gradual increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations aligns with national trends of diversification in traditionally Black communities, particularly in Southern cities.
Despite significant income growth, the 2022 median income of $43,605 remains below the national median, highlighting persistent economic challenges in historically marginalized communities. The dramatic population decrease (about 37% since 2010) could be indicative of urban renewal projects or housing policy changes, common in many U.S. cities aiming to revitalize urban cores.
Oakwood Place exemplifies a community in transition, balancing its strong Black cultural heritage with emerging diversity and economic changes. These shifts present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, cultural preservation, and equitable development. The neighborhood's evolution mirrors broader urban demographic trends while highlighting the unique dynamics of Southern urban transformation in the 21st century.
