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Demographic Analysis of Robert Taylor Homes: Persistent Black Majority and Slow Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Robert Taylor Homes neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity with a Black majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population is 2,758, with a median income of $32,511. This area was once the site of the largest public housing project in the United States, which was demolished in the early 2000s as part of Chicago's Plan for Transformation.
Throughout the past decade, the Robert Taylor Homes has maintained its status as a Black majority community. The percentage of Black residents has remained above 90% for most years, with only slight fluctuations. In 2021, there was a minor shift towards increased diversity, with the Black population decreasing to 88%, but this change did not substantially alter the neighborhood's overall categorization.
The Hispanic population has shown small growth, increasing from 3% in 2013 to 5% in 2021, before returning to 3% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has also seen a gradual increase, from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. Despite these small changes, the neighborhood has not transitioned to a different diversity category due to the overwhelming Black majority.
The median income in the Robert Taylor Homes has shown an upward trend over the past decade, increasing from $23,072 in 2013 to $32,511 in 2022. This represents an improvement of about 41% over nine years. However, this income level remains below the national median income, indicating persistent economic challenges in the area.
The population has fluctuated over the years but has generally increased from 2,165 in 2010 to 2,758 in 2022, suggesting a slow but steady repopulation of the area following the demolition of the original housing project.
The demographic composition of the Robert Taylor Homes contrasts with the overall diversity of Chicago. While Chicago as a whole has been experiencing increasing diversity and gentrification in many areas, this particular neighborhood has maintained its predominantly Black population.
The economic improvements, while notable, still place the Robert Taylor Homes below Chicago's overall median household income, which was around $62,097 in 2020. This disparity highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by residents in this area, despite the gradual improvements.
The persistent low diversity and economic challenges in the Robert Taylor Homes reflect broader national trends of racial and economic segregation in urban areas, particularly in neighborhoods historically shaped by public housing policies. The slow pace of change in this neighborhood, compared to more rapid demographic shifts in other parts of Chicago, underscores the long-lasting impacts of historical housing policies and the challenges of achieving equitable urban development.
In conclusion, while the Robert Taylor Homes has seen some positive economic trends and minor increases in diversity over the past decade, it remains a predominantly Black, low-income area. The neighborhood's trajectory suggests a slow recovery from its complex history, with gradual improvements in economic conditions but persistent challenges in achieving broader racial and economic integration within the larger urban context of Chicago.
