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Demographic and Economic Trends in Riley Neighborhood: A Predominantly Black Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Riley neighborhood in Midfield, Alabama, exhibits a Low Diversity profile with a predominantly Black population of 97% in 2022. The community has experienced economic fluctuations over the past decade, with median income increasing from $23,831 in 2013 to $41,705 in 2022. Riley has a small population size, which has decreased from 1,563 in 2010 to 990 in 2022, suggesting potential challenges in retaining residents despite economic improvements.
Throughout the observed period (2013-2022), Riley has consistently maintained a Low Diversity classification, with the Black population constituting over 97% of residents. This racial composition has remained stable, showing only minor fluctuations. The neighborhood has not transitioned between diversity categories, indicating entrenched demographic patterns.
Subtle shifts in demographics include a slight decrease in the Black population from 99% in 2016-2017 to 97% in 2021-2022, a small increase in the Hispanic population from 0% in 2013-2017 to 2% by 2021-2022, and a consistently low White population fluctuating between 0-1% throughout the period. These minor shifts suggest the beginnings of a slow diversification process, though the community remains in the Low Diversity category.
The economic trajectory of Riley has been marked by significant improvement, particularly in recent years. Median income increased from $23,831 in 2013 to $41,705 in 2022, representing a 75% increase over nine years. A notable jump occurred between 2017 and 2018, with median income rising from $27,143 to $40,342. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $49,135, followed by a slight decrease in 2022.
This economic growth has occurred alongside a decrease in population, from 1,563 in 2010 to 990 in 2022. This inverse relationship between population and income suggests that while overall economic conditions have improved, the neighborhood may be experiencing outmigration, possibly of lower-income residents. The slight increase in Hispanic population coincides with the period of rapid income growth (2017-2018), which could indicate that economic opportunities are attracting a small but growing diverse population.
Riley's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. The neighborhood's economic growth, however, aligns with broader post-recession recovery patterns seen across the United States. The persistent low diversity in Riley, despite economic improvements, suggests that historical patterns of racial segregation may still influence neighborhood composition. This stability in racial demographics, coupled with significant income growth, raises questions about equitable access to economic opportunities and potential gentrification pressures.
The declining population amidst rising incomes is a trend observed in some post-industrial urban areas, where economic restructuring leads to population shifts. In conclusion, while Riley has experienced notable economic growth over the past decade, its demographic composition has remained largely unchanged. This stability in the face of economic improvement presents both opportunities and challenges for community development and social cohesion moving forward.
