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Demographic Analysis of Thomas Neighborhood: A Predominantly Black Community in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Thomas neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority" as of 2022. The neighborhood's racial composition is 94% Black, with minimal representation from other racial groups. The median income in Thomas was $40,752 in 2022. This neighborhood has historical significance in Birmingham's civil rights movement.
Over the past decade, Thomas has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood, with the percentage of Black residents ranging from 83% to 96% between 2013 and 2022. The neighborhood has consistently remained in the "Low Diversity" classification. The Black population percentage increased from 84% in 2013 to 96% in 2020, before slightly decreasing to 94% in 2022. A small Asian population emerged in 2019 (4%) and has remained relatively stable through 2022. The White population has shown a slight increase from 0% in 2013 to 2% in 2022.
The median income in Thomas has shown a general upward trend over the past decade, with some fluctuations. From 2013 to 2020, there was an increase in median income from $24,730 to $41,619, representing a 68% growth. A slight decrease occurred in 2021 to $36,487, followed by a recovery to $40,752 in 2022. Population figures show a decline from 1,670 in 2010 to 1,270 in 2022, a decrease of about 24%.
The demographic makeup of Thomas contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban areas across the United States have experienced significant increases in racial and ethnic diversity over the past decade, Thomas has maintained its status as a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The economic improvements in Thomas align with broader national trends of rising incomes in urban areas. The median household income in the United States increased from $51,939 in 2013 to $70,784 in 2021. Thomas's median income remains below the national average, but its growth rate over this period (47% from 2013 to 2021) outpaced the national growth rate (36% over the same period).
The population decline in Thomas goes against the trend of many urban areas experiencing population growth. This could be indicative of challenges facing some historically Black neighborhoods in older industrial cities, where economic opportunities may be leading to outmigration despite improving local economic conditions.
In conclusion, while Thomas has seen economic improvements and very slight increases in diversity, it remains a predominantly Black, low-diversity neighborhood. The economic gains and subtle demographic shifts may indicate the early stages of neighborhood change, but the area has largely maintained its historical demographic character over the past decade.
