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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Powderly neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits a demographic profile classified as "Low Diversity" with a strong Black Majority. As of 2022, the population is 90% Black, with a small but growing White population of 8%. The neighborhood has a median income of $23,985, which is below the national average. Powderly has historical significance in Birmingham's civil rights movement, having been a predominantly African American community for decades.
Over the past decade, Powderly has maintained its status as a Black Majority community, with some notable shifts. From 2013 to 2022, the neighborhood consistently fell under the "Low Diversity" category, with the Black population comprising over 75% of residents throughout this period. There has been a gradual decrease in the Black population percentage, from 98% in 2013 to 90% in 2022. This shift is primarily due to an increase in the White population, from virtually 0% in 2013 to 8% in 2022. A small Hispanic presence (1%) emerged around 2020, indicating the beginnings of a potentially more diverse community makeup.
The economic landscape of Powderly has shown some improvement, albeit with fluctuations. Median income has increased from $16,383 in 2013 to $23,985 in 2022, representing a 46% increase over the decade. The population has experienced fluctuations, peaking at 1,569 in 2014 and reaching a low of 1,035 in 2021, before rebounding slightly to 1,209 in 2022. Despite the income growth, Powderly's median income remains considerably low, suggesting persistent economic challenges in the community.
The slight increase in diversity coincides with a general upward trend in median income, potentially indicating that incoming residents from different racial backgrounds may have higher incomes. The fluctuating population numbers, particularly the decrease from 2019 to 2021, might be related to economic factors or housing availability issues, which could also influence the gradual demographic shifts.
The demographic shifts in Powderly, though slight, align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The persistent low median income, despite some growth, suggests that Powderly faces more significant economic challenges compared to national averages. The maintenance of a strong Black Majority in Powderly contrasts with trends in some other urban areas that have experienced more rapid gentrification and demographic change.
Powderly remains a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood. Subtle shifts in its demographic makeup and gradual economic improvements suggest the potential for more significant changes in the future. However, the community still faces substantial economic challenges that will likely continue to shape its demographic evolution in the coming years.