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Demographic and Economic Trends in Carriage Town, Flint: A Study of Black Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Carriage Town, a neighborhood in Flint, Michigan, is classified as a Racial Majority community with a Black Majority, as the Black population comprises 58% of residents in 2022. The neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, along with fluctuating economic conditions. Carriage Town is one of Flint's oldest neighborhoods, containing several preserved 19th-century buildings that reflect its automotive heritage.
From 2013 to 2017, Carriage Town transitioned from a Black Majority to a Moderate Diversity status. The White population increased from 31% to 41%, while the Black population decreased to 49%. From 2018 to 2021, the community maintained Moderate Diversity status. In 2022, the neighborhood returned to Black Majority status at 58%. These shifts may be due to factors such as changing housing policies, economic opportunities, or urban development initiatives in Flint.
The median income in Carriage Town has shown volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2017, median income increased from $16,683 to $22,781, coinciding with the shift towards Moderate Diversity. Median income peaked in 2019 at $24,692, corresponding with the lowest percentage of Black residents (46%) and highest percentage of Hispanic residents (12%) during the observed period. Since 2019, median income has declined, dropping to $19,841 in 2022, as the neighborhood returned to Black Majority status.
These economic trends suggest a correlation between increased diversity and higher median incomes in the neighborhood. The recent reversal to Black Majority status has coincided with a decline in median income.
The demographic shifts in Carriage Town reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where historically segregated neighborhoods are experiencing increased diversity. The recent reversal back to Black Majority status may be unique to Flint's specific circumstances, such as the ongoing recovery from the water crisis that began in 2014.
The economic volatility in Carriage Town, with median incomes ranging from around $16,000 to nearly $25,000 over a decade, is more pronounced than national trends. This volatility likely reflects the broader economic challenges faced by Flint, including deindustrialization and the water crisis, which have impacted local employment and property values.
Carriage Town's demographic and economic evolution over the past decade demonstrates the complex relationship between racial composition and economic conditions in urban neighborhoods. The community's resilience in the face of significant challenges is evident, but ongoing efforts will be necessary to address persistent economic disparities and promote sustainable, inclusive growth.
