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Demographic Analysis of Tolleston: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with Black Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Tolleston, a neighborhood in Gary, Indiana, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority." As of 2022, the Black population comprises 88% of the residents, establishing it as a Black Majority area. The neighborhood's population increased from 11,681 in 2010 to 12,352 in 2022. Tolleston's median income was $33,030 in 2022, below the national average. Tolleston is part of Gary, a city known for its historical significance in the steel industry and as the birthplace of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), Tolleston has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Black Majority." The Black population has remained stable, fluctuating between 85% and 89%. This stability suggests a deeply rooted African American community with limited influx or outflow of other racial groups. The Hispanic population increased from 2% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The white population decreased from 7% to 5% over the same period. The consistency in racial composition indicates that Tolleston has not experienced significant demographic transitions that would classify it as a "Transitional Community."
The median income in Tolleston showed some volatility from 2013 to 2022, with a slight increase from $32,169 to $33,030. This growth has not kept pace with inflation, suggesting a decline in real purchasing power for residents. There was a significant spike in median income to $39,804 in 2021, followed by a sharp decline to $33,030 in 2022. The relatively stagnant income levels, coupled with the consistent racial composition, suggest that the neighborhood has not experienced significant gentrification or economic development that might typically accompany demographic shifts in urban areas.
Tolleston's demographic stability contrasts with national trends, where many urban areas have seen increasing diversity and gentrification over the past decade. The neighborhood's persistent low income levels are also at odds with the general economic growth seen in many U.S. cities during this period. The concentration of Black residents in Tolleston at 88% is significantly higher than the national average for Black population, which is around 13.4%. This high concentration suggests that Tolleston, like many neighborhoods in Gary, Indiana, continues to reflect the historical patterns of racial segregation that have characterized many Rust Belt cities.
The economic challenges faced by Tolleston, with a median income well below the national average (which was around $70,784 in 2021), are indicative of the broader struggles faced by many former industrial cities in the Midwest. The stagnant income levels and persistent low diversity suggest that Tolleston has not benefited from the economic diversification and revitalization efforts that have boosted some other post-industrial urban areas.
Tolleston presents a picture of demographic stability amidst economic challenges. Its consistent "Low Diversity" and "Black Majority" status over the past decade, coupled with minimal income growth, indicate a community that has largely maintained its character but may be struggling to adapt to broader economic shifts. This stability, while preserving community cohesion, may also pose challenges for economic development and diversification in the future.
