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Demographic Analysis of West Goldwire: A Low Diversity, Black Majority Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Goldwire, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits characteristics of a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. In 2022, the neighborhood had a population of 256 individuals, with 96% identifying as Black. The median income in 2022 was $21,839, which is below the national average. West Goldwire has an estimated 98 housing units, indicating a small community size.
Over the past decade, West Goldwire has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, Black Majority neighborhood. From 2013 to 2022, the Black population remained above 90%, with minor fluctuations. The most notable shift occurred in 2020 when the white population increased to 6%, but this change was temporary. The neighborhood has not transitioned between diversity categories, indicating a stable racial composition.
The median income in West Goldwire has shown modest fluctuations over the years. In 2013, the median income was $20,536, and by 2022 it had increased to $21,839. This represents a growth of about 6.3% over nine years, which is below the rate of inflation, suggesting a decline in real purchasing power for residents.
The population has experienced variability, starting at 198 in 2013, decreasing to 176 in 2019, and then increasing to 256 by 2022. This recent population growth does not correlate with significant improvements in median income, potentially indicating an influx of residents with similar economic profiles to the existing population.
The persistent low income levels in West Goldwire are notable when compared to national trends. In 2021, the U.S. median household income was approximately $70,784, while West Goldwire's median income was $20,109. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents of this neighborhood.
The racial homogeneity of West Goldwire is notable when compared to broader trends in urban areas across the United States. Many cities have been experiencing increasing diversity over the past decade, but West Goldwire has maintained its demographic composition. This stability in a predominantly Black neighborhood within Birmingham may reflect broader patterns of racial segregation that persist in many urban areas across the country.
The recent population growth from 2019 to 2022, despite stagnant incomes, could indicate broader housing affordability issues in the region. West Goldwire may be attracting residents who are priced out of other areas of Birmingham, leading to increased density without corresponding economic improvement.
West Goldwire represents an example of the challenges faced by low-income, racially homogeneous urban neighborhoods across the United States. The lack of significant economic progress over the past decade, coupled with persistent racial segregation, underscores the need for targeted economic development and inclusive housing policies to address long-standing disparities in communities like West Goldwire.
