Loading Content...
Demographic Evolution in Flatlands: A Study of Brooklyn's Black Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Flatlands, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, is a Black Majority community with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the population of 23,142 is 64% Black, 12% Hispanic, 12% White, and 6% Asian. The median income in 2022 was $95,165, indicating a relatively affluent community within Brooklyn. Flatlands is characterized by a suburban-like atmosphere within Brooklyn's urban landscape, featuring single-family homes and tree-lined streets.
Over the past decade, Flatlands has maintained its Black Majority status, but with shifts in demographic composition. From 2013 to 2022, the Black population decreased from 68% to 64%. Simultaneously, other racial groups increased, particularly Asians (from 3% to 6%) and those identifying as two or more races (from 1% to 4%). These changes suggest a transition towards greater diversity, though not yet reaching the High Diversity category.
The demographic shifts in Flatlands correlate with economic changes. The median income increased from $82,471 in 2013 to $95,165 in 2022, representing 15.4% growth over nine years. This economic uplift coincides with increasing diversity, potentially linked to economic opportunities or gentrification processes. The population has remained stable, fluctuating between 23,000 to 25,000 residents over the decade.
The trends observed in Flatlands reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in cities like New York. The gradual diversification of traditionally Black neighborhoods is a common phenomenon in metropolitan areas, often associated with gentrification and changing urban demographics.
The income growth in Flatlands outpaces the national average, which saw about a 10% increase in median household income over a similar period. This suggests that Flatlands is experiencing more rapid economic changes than many other parts of the country.
The persistence of a Black Majority in Flatlands, despite increasing diversity, is notable in the context of Brooklyn and New York City. Many historically Black neighborhoods in urban centers have seen more dramatic shifts towards plurality or majority-minority status. Flatlands' ability to maintain a strong Black presence while incorporating greater diversity and experiencing economic growth presents a case study in urban demographic evolution.
Flatlands exemplifies a community in transition, balancing its historical identity as a Black Majority neighborhood with increasing racial diversity and economic growth. This evolution reflects broader urban trends but also highlights the unique characteristics of this Brooklyn neighborhood as it navigates demographic and economic changes in the 21st century.
