Loading Content...
Demographic Shift in Birmingham's 35205 Zip Code: From Moderate Diversity to White Majority (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 35205 in Birmingham, Alabama, experienced a demographic transition from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, the area was categorized as a "White Majority" community with 62% of the population identifying as white. The area also displayed elements of "Moderate Diversity" with significant Black (27%) and Asian (5%) populations. The median income in 2022 was $50,959, suggesting a middle-class suburban area.
Over the past decade, this zip code underwent a transition from a more diverse community to one with a clearer white majority. In 2013, the area could be classified as having "Moderate Diversity," with whites at 52% and blacks at 30%. By 2022, it had shifted to a "White Majority" status, with the white population increasing to 62% and the black population decreasing to 27%. The Hispanic population decreased from 11% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, while the Asian population remained relatively stable at 4-5%.
The demographic shifts correlated with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $43,580. It showed an overall upward trend, reaching $50,959 in 2022, representing a 17% increase over the decade. This increase coincided with the increase in the white population percentage and the decrease in minority populations, particularly Hispanic and Black residents.
The population of the zip code remained relatively stable over this period, decreasing slightly from 16,772 in 2013 to 15,649 in 2022. This suggests that the demographic changes are likely due to population turnover rather than significant new development or overall population growth.
These trends are consistent with patterns of gentrification seen in many urban areas across the United States. The increase in median income and shift towards a white majority in a previously more diverse area is a common pattern in gentrifying neighborhoods. Birmingham as a whole is known for its significant Black population, so this zip code's trend towards a stronger white majority may be somewhat atypical for the broader city.
The economic improvement suggested by the rising median income could be seen as positive for the area, but the corresponding decrease in diversity raises questions about equitable development and potential displacement of long-time residents. Zip code 35205 in Birmingham has undergone a significant demographic transition over the past decade, moving from a moderately diverse community to one with a clearer white majority. This shift has been accompanied by rising median incomes, suggesting a process of gentrification that may be reshaping the socioeconomic character of the neighborhood.
