Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Fifth City: A Study of Race and Income
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Fifth City, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with Low Diversity. The Black population comprises 80% of residents in 2022. This historically African American neighborhood has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, alongside fluctuations in economic indicators. Fifth City was part of Chicago's Model Cities Program in the 1960s aimed at urban revitalization.
From 2013 to 2022, Fifth City has maintained its status as a Black Majority community, but with a trend towards increased diversity. The Black population has decreased from 97% in 2013 to 80% in 2022, while other racial groups have seen increases. The Hispanic population grew from 1% to 4%, the White population increased from 2% to 9%, and the Two or more races category rose from 0% to 7%. Fifth City is showing signs of becoming a Transitional Community.
The median income in Fifth City has fluctuated over the decade, with a general upward trend. In 2013, it was $25,513. It reached its lowest point in 2018 at $21,963, and in 2022 it was $25,464. There was a spike in 2021 to $29,548, followed by a decrease in 2022. These economic changes appear to correlate with the demographic shifts.
The slight increase in overall median income from 2013 to 2022 coincides with the gradual diversification of the neighborhood. The population has remained relatively stable, decreasing from 2,385 in 2013 to 2,185 in 2022, suggesting that demographic changes are more likely due to in-migration of diverse groups rather than significant out-migration of the Black population.
Fifth City's demographic evolution reflects broader trends seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. These include gradual diversification of historically segregated neighborhoods, slow economic growth in predominantly minority communities, and potential early signs of gentrification, as indicated by the increasing White population and slight income growth.
Fifth City's changes are more modest compared to rapid gentrification seen in some other urban areas. The neighborhood's median income remains significantly below the national median, which was around $70,784 in 2021, indicating persistent economic challenges despite the slight improvements.
The stability in population numbers, coupled with gradual diversification and modest income growth, suggests that Fifth City is experiencing slow, organic change rather than rapid displacement often associated with gentrification. This gradual transition may provide opportunities for community-led development and integration, potentially leading to a more diverse and economically stable neighborhood in the future, while still maintaining its strong African American cultural identity.
