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Demographic and Economic Trends in Brentnell: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Brentnell, a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Black Majority" of 89% as of 2022. The neighborhood has experienced economic fluctuations over the past decade, with a recent increase in median income. Brentnell has historical significance in Columbus's African American community as one of the first suburban areas where Black families could purchase homes in the mid-20th century.
Over the past decade, Brentnell has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. From 2013 to 2019, there was a slight decrease in the Black population percentage, from 80% to 72%, with an increase in Hispanic and multiracial residents. This trend suggested a potential move towards "Moderate Diversity." However, from 2020 onwards, the neighborhood reverted to a stronger "Black Majority," with the percentage rising to 89% by 2022.
The Hispanic population, which peaked at 13% in 2019, has since declined to 0% in the most recent data. This could indicate a "Transitional Community" phase that ultimately reinforced the existing majority rather than leading to increased diversity.
The economic landscape of Brentnell has seen significant changes over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, the neighborhood experienced a downward trend in median income, dropping from $29,677 to $24,555. This decline coincided with the period of slightly increasing diversity.
In 2020, median income more than doubled to $50,960. This increase has been maintained through 2022, with the median income stabilizing around $51,000. This economic uplift coincides with the reinforcement of the "Black Majority" status and a decrease in other racial groups' representation.
The population has shown an overall increasing trend, growing from 410 in 2013 to 627 in 2022, with a peak of 670 in 2020. This population growth, coupled with the income increase, suggests a period of neighborhood revitalization and possibly gentrification within the existing racial majority.
The economic trajectory of Brentnell is noteworthy when compared to national trends. While many urban areas across the United States have experienced gentrification leading to displacement of long-term residents, Brentnell's case is unique. The significant income increase has occurred while maintaining and even strengthening its Black majority, which differs from typical gentrification patterns where incoming higher-income residents often change the racial makeup of neighborhoods.
This trend in Brentnell could represent a form of "Black gentrification" or community reinvestment, where economic improvements benefit the existing racial majority rather than displacing them. This pattern is observed in some historically Black neighborhoods in cities like Washington D.C. and Atlanta, where efforts to revitalize communities while preserving their cultural identity have been implemented.
The stability of the racial makeup in Brentnell, despite economic changes, also contrasts with national trends of increasing diversity in many urban areas. This suggests strong community ties and possibly intentional efforts to maintain the neighborhood's historical character as a predominantly Black community.
Brentnell presents a case of a neighborhood that has undergone significant economic improvement while largely maintaining its demographic character. This trajectory offers insights into alternative models of urban development that can potentially uplift existing communities without widespread displacement.
