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Demographic Analysis of Peoplestown: A Black Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Peoplestown, a neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, currently exhibits characteristics of a "Black Majority" community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the Black population constitutes 70% of residents, while the White population has grown to 23%. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth over the past decade, with median income rising from $17,955 in 2013 to $26,988 in 2022, despite a recent dip from its peak of $35,065 in 2021. Peoplestown is located near the former Turner Field and is undergoing community revitalization efforts.
Over the past decade, Peoplestown has undergone a gradual transition from a "Low Diversity" community to one approaching "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the neighborhood was in the "Black Majority" category with 81% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, while still maintaining a "Black Majority" status, the percentage decreased to 70%. The White population has shown steady growth, increasing from 9% in 2013 to 23% in 2022.
This shift suggests a trend towards increasing diversity, potentially categorizing Peoplestown as a "Transitional Community." The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3-8% over the decade, while other racial groups maintain minimal representation.
The demographic shifts in Peoplestown correlate with economic changes. The median income has increased, rising from $17,955 in 2013 to a peak of $35,065 in 2021, before declining to $26,988 in 2022. This upward trend in income coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, particularly the growth in the White population percentage.
The population of Peoplestown has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 2,762 in 2013 to 3,222 in 2022. This modest population growth, coupled with the income increase and demographic shifts, suggests a pattern of gradual gentrification.
The changes observed in Peoplestown reflect broader trends seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States, particularly in cities like Atlanta. The gradual increase in diversity and median income is characteristic of urban revitalization and gentrification processes observed in many inner-city neighborhoods nationwide.
The economic growth in Peoplestown, while significant, still places the neighborhood below the median household income for Atlanta as a whole, which was approximately $64,179 in 2021. This suggests that while the neighborhood is experiencing economic changes, it still faces challenges in terms of overall economic parity with the broader city.
The demographic shifts in Peoplestown, particularly the increase in the White population percentage, align with national trends of reverse migration to urban centers and the revitalization of historically Black neighborhoods in major cities. However, the persistence of a strong Black majority distinguishes Peoplestown from more rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods in other parts of Atlanta and similar cities.
Peoplestown represents a community in transition, balancing its historical identity as a predominantly Black neighborhood with emerging diversity and economic growth. The challenge moving forward will be to maintain the community's cultural heritage while leveraging new opportunities for development and improved quality of life for all residents.
