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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Glen Iris, Birmingham: A Decade of Change
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Glen Iris, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibited a "Moderate Diversity" demographic profile as of 2022. The population was 13,111 with a median income of $65,354. Glen Iris is characterized by a mix of early 20th-century homes and modern developments, reflecting its evolving demographic landscape.
From 2013 to 2022, Glen Iris underwent significant demographic shifts. In 2013, it was categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community, with the white population at 40% and the black population at 38%. The neighborhood transitioned through several categories: Majority-Minority (2013-2017), Moderate Diversity (2018-2019), White Majority (briefly in 2020), and back to Moderate Diversity (2021-2022). The most notable shift occurred between 2019 and 2020, when the white population increased from 46% to 52%. By 2022, the community returned to a "Moderate Diversity" status with white (49%) and black (36%) populations as the two largest groups.
The demographic shifts correlated with economic changes in Glen Iris. From 2013 to 2022, the median income rose from $45,005 to $65,354, an increase of about 45%. The population remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 14,256 in 2013 to 13,111 in 2022. The increase in median income coincided with the growth of the white population percentage, suggesting possible gentrification or an influx of higher-income residents.
The trends observed in Glen Iris mirror broader national patterns of urban gentrification and demographic shifts in many U.S. cities. The increase in diversity, followed by a brief period of white majority, is reminiscent of the "back-to-the-city" movement seen in many urban areas across the country. Glen Iris maintained a relatively stable population size, suggesting a gradual change. The substantial increase in median income without a corresponding population boom indicates that the neighborhood has likely seen internal economic growth rather than a massive influx of new residents.
Glen Iris's median income growth outpaced the national average, which saw about a 30% increase in median household income from 2013 to 2022. This above-average growth suggests that Glen Iris experienced more rapid economic development than many other U.S. neighborhoods during this period.
Glen Iris represents a dynamic urban neighborhood that has transitioned through various stages of diversity over the past decade. Its evolution from a majority-minority community to one of moderate diversity, coupled with significant economic growth, reflects broader urban renewal trends while maintaining its unique character and relatively stable population base.
