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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Glenwood, a neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, exhibits characteristics of a "Black Majority" community, with 55% of its population identifying as Black in 2022. This represents a significant shift from previous years, suggesting a trend towards increasing diversity. The neighborhood's median income of $35,653 in 2022 is below the national average, indicating potential economic challenges. Glenwood is known for its historic significance in Chattanooga's African American community, with several notable churches and community centers that have played important roles in local civil rights movements.
Over the past decade, Glenwood has undergone a notable transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood could be categorized as having "Low Diversity" with a strong "Black Majority" (85% Black). However, by 2022, while still maintaining a "Black Majority," the community has shifted towards "Moderate Diversity." The percentage of Black residents decreased from 85% to 55%, while the White population increased from 13% to 37%. This shift suggests a trend towards a more diverse community, potentially indicating gentrification or changing housing preferences in the area.
The community has also seen an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, rising from 2% in 2013 to 7% in 2022. This trend aligns with the characteristics of a "Transitional Community," showing increasing diversity over time.
The median income in Glenwood has fluctuated over the years but shows a general upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $34,864, and by 2022 it had risen slightly to $35,653. However, this increase has not been steady, with significant dips in 2015 ($28,878) and 2019 ($27,725). The years with the lowest median incomes (2015 and 2019) coincide with periods when the Black majority was still very strong (84% and 79% respectively). As the community has become more diverse in recent years, there has been a corresponding increase in median income. This could suggest that the influx of new residents, particularly White residents, may be bringing higher incomes to the area.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 1,200 and 1,350 residents. This stability in population size, combined with changing demographics, further supports the idea of a community in transition rather than rapid expansion or decline.
The demographic shifts observed in Glenwood align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many historically Black neighborhoods in cities have experienced gentrification and increasing diversity over the past decades. This often brings mixed effects, potentially improving local economic indicators but also risking displacement of long-time residents.
The median income in Glenwood, while showing some improvement, remains significantly below the national median household income (which was approximately $67,521 in 2020). This suggests that despite the demographic changes and slight economic improvements, Glenwood still faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
The increasing diversity in Glenwood, particularly the growth in the multi-racial population, mirrors national trends. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the multi-racial population in the United States grew significantly between 2010 and 2020, which is reflected in Glenwood's local demographics.
Glenwood exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a highly homogeneous "Black Majority" area towards "Moderate Diversity." This shift brings both opportunities and challenges, potentially improving economic indicators but also raising questions about community preservation and equitable development.