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Demographic Analysis of Odette, Witherbee, and Iroquois Neighborhood: A Low Diversity Black Majority Community in Flint, Michigan
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Odette, Witherbee, and Iroquois neighborhood in Flint, Michigan, is characterized as a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. In 2022, 87% of the population identified as Black, while 13% identified as two or more races. The neighborhood experienced significant population decline, decreasing from 1,554 residents in 2010 to 852 in 2022. This area has faced economic challenges, including the water crisis that began in 2014, impacting public health and community trust.
From 2013 to 2022, the neighborhood maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The Black population percentage increased from 90% to 95% between 2013 and 2020. In 2021-2022, there was an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, rising from 2% to 13%. This shift suggests a potential trend towards slightly increased diversity, though still within the Black Majority category. The white population decreased from 2-4% to 0% in 2021-2022.
The median income in the neighborhood fluctuated significantly during this period. It increased from $26,013 in 2013 to $33,110 in 2019, representing modest economic improvement. However, there was a sharp decline to $21,962 by 2022, a 33.7% drop from the 2019 peak. This economic downturn correlates with the slight increase in racial diversity, potentially indicating that economic pressures are influencing demographic changes.
The population decline has slowed and slightly reversed in recent years, increasing from 693 in 2019 to 852 in 2022. This could be related to housing affordability attracting a more diverse, but potentially economically stressed, population.
The neighborhood's trends reflect broader issues facing many urban areas in the Rust Belt. The persistent racial segregation, as evidenced by the consistent Black Majority status, is common in many post-industrial Midwestern cities. The economic volatility mirrors broader economic uncertainties faced by similar communities nationwide. The recent uptick in population and increased racial diversity, coupled with declining incomes, could signal the early stages of neighborhood change seen in other recovering urban areas.
In conclusion, the Odette, Witherbee, and Iroquois neighborhood remains a Low Diversity, Black Majority community, but recent trends suggest the potential for gradual change. The economic challenges, particularly the sharp income decline since 2019, appear to be a driving force behind these demographic shifts. Monitoring how these trends impact local services, community cohesion, and economic opportunities for long-term residents will be crucial as the community navigates these changes.
