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Demographic Analysis of Smithfield, Birmingham: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Smithfield, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, is categorized as "Low Diversity" with a predominantly Black population (94% in 2022). The neighborhood has a median income of $21,494 in 2022, which is below the national average. Smithfield is one of Birmingham's oldest African American communities and played a role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Over the past decade, Smithfield has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a strong Black majority. From 2013 to 2017, the neighborhood was almost exclusively Black, with 96-99% of the population identifying as Black. Starting in 2018, there is a slight trend towards increased diversity. The White population increased from 0% in 2017 to 3% in 2022. A small Hispanic population (2%) emerged by 2022. The introduction of a small two-or-more races category (1%) in 2022 suggests a gradual move towards slightly more diversity.
The economic landscape of Smithfield has shown improvements over the decade. Median income has increased from $13,279 in 2013 to $21,494 in 2022, representing a 62% increase. This economic improvement coincides with the slight increase in racial diversity. Despite this growth, the median income remains low compared to national averages, indicating persistent economic challenges.
Population trends show a decline from 2,270 in 2010 to 1,304 in 2022, a 42.6% decrease. This population loss could be influencing both economic and demographic trends, potentially opening up opportunities for new residents and contributing to the slight increase in diversity.
The trends observed in Smithfield reflect patterns seen in many historically Black neighborhoods in urban areas across the United States. Many historically Black neighborhoods are experiencing slow increases in diversity. Despite some improvements, the persistent low median income in Smithfield is emblematic of the economic disparities faced by many predominantly Black urban neighborhoods nationwide. The significant population decrease in Smithfield mirrors trends in many urban core neighborhoods.
While Smithfield remains a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood, subtle shifts in its demographic makeup and improvements in median income suggest the early stages of transition. However, the neighborhood continues to face economic challenges and population decline, reflecting broader urban trends and the interplay between race, economics, and community development in American cities.
