Loading Content...
Demographic and Racial Analysis of Centennial Hill: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Montgomery, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Centennial Hill, a neighborhood in Montgomery, Alabama, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity and economic challenges. As of 2022, it is categorized as having a "Black Majority" with 86% of the population identifying as Black. The neighborhood's median income of $15,629 in 2022 is low, indicating economic hardship for many residents. Centennial Hill is historically significant as it was once home to many prominent African American leaders and institutions during the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
Over the past decade, Centennial Hill has consistently maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood, with the Black population percentage ranging from 85% to 93%. This stability in racial composition suggests a deeply rooted African American community. There have been subtle shifts within this overall consistency. The White population has fluctuated, reaching a low of 5% in 2016-2017 and peaking at 14% in 2015. There has been a gradual increase in diversity, albeit small, with the emergence of a Hispanic population (1-2%) and a growing multi-racial category (up to 3% by 2022). Despite these minor changes, the neighborhood has not transitioned between major diversity categories, remaining firmly in the "Low Diversity" classification throughout the decade.
The economic trajectory of Centennial Hill shows a complex pattern. Median income has increased overall, from $11,698 in 2013 to $15,629 in 2022, representing a 33.6% increase. However, this growth has been inconsistent, with notable fluctuations. For instance, there was a significant jump to $18,251 in 2021, followed by a decline in 2022. The population has shown a U-shaped trend, decreasing from 4,016 in 2010 to a low of 2,473 in 2015, before gradually increasing to 3,225 in 2022. These economic trends suggest a community grappling with persistent poverty despite some improvements. The population decline and subsequent recovery might indicate periods of outmigration followed by a recent resurgence of interest or investment in the area.
When compared to national trends, Centennial Hill's demographic stability stands out. While many urban areas across the U.S. have experienced increasing diversity and gentrification over the past decade, Centennial Hill has maintained its predominant Black majority. This could be due to a combination of historical significance, community attachment, and potentially limited economic opportunities that might otherwise attract a more diverse population.
The median income in Centennial Hill ($15,629 in 2022) is significantly below the national median household income (approximately $70,784 in 2021). This disparity underscores the economic challenges faced by this community, placing it among the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the country.
The recent population increase, despite persistent low incomes, might suggest a growing recognition of the neighborhood's historical importance or potentially the beginning of community revitalization efforts. However, the economic data indicates that any such efforts have yet to translate into substantial improvements in residents' financial well-being.
Centennial Hill presents a picture of a historically significant, predominantly Black neighborhood facing ongoing economic challenges. While showing signs of potential revival in terms of population, it remains a community in need of targeted economic development and support to address the longstanding income disparities and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.
