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Demographic Composition and Economic Trends in West Blvd: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Blvd, a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, exhibits a "Low Diversity" demographic profile with a "Black Majority" of 82% as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 1,126 residents and a median income of $20,378, which is below the national average. West Blvd has historical significance in Charlotte's African American community and has been the focus of urban renewal and community development initiatives.
Over the past decade, West Blvd has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" neighborhood. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood had extremely low diversity, with the Black population comprising 88-94% of residents. From 2017 to 2019, there was a decrease in the Black population percentage, dropping to 68% by 2019. This shift briefly moved the neighborhood towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with an increase in the White population reaching 13% in 2019. From 2020 to 2022, the neighborhood reverted to a stronger "Black Majority" status, stabilizing around 82-84% Black population.
The economic situation in West Blvd has been volatile over the past decade. Median income fluctuated significantly, ranging from a low of $14,759 in 2019 to a high of $22,044 in 2018. There appears to be a weak correlation between demographic shifts and economic changes. The population has shown modest growth over the decade, increasing from 937 in 2013 to 1,126 in 2022, which might indicate some level of neighborhood stability or mild gentrification.
The persistent "Black Majority" status of West Blvd is notable in the context of increasing diversity in many urban areas across the United States. The median income in West Blvd ($20,378 in 2022) is lower than the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that West Blvd faces economic challenges compared to national averages. The brief trend towards increased diversity from 2017 to 2019, followed by a reversion to a stronger Black majority, could indicate resistance to gentrification or strong community ties that have maintained the neighborhood's traditional demographic makeup.
West Blvd presents a picture of a historically Black neighborhood that has maintained its demographic character despite brief periods of potential transition. The persistent low income levels suggest ongoing economic challenges that have not significantly improved over the past decade, despite some fluctuations. This stability in racial composition, coupled with economic struggles, may indicate a need for targeted economic development initiatives that respect and preserve the community's cultural identity while improving economic opportunities for residents.
