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Demographic Stability and Economic Challenges in Cleveland's Kinsman Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Kinsman neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, exemplifies a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "Racial Majority" of African Americans, comprising 99% of the population as of 2022. This neighborhood is characterized by extremely low median incomes, with the 2022 figure of $13,188 being well below the poverty line. Kinsman is known for its historical significance in Cleveland's African American community, having been a destination for many during the Great Migration.
Over the past decade, Kinsman has consistently maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" area with a "Racial Majority" of African Americans. The percentage of Black residents has slightly increased from 89% in 2013 to 99% in 2022, further solidifying its demographic homogeneity. This trend suggests a continued concentration of African American residents, possibly due to historical segregation patterns, limited economic mobility, or cultural preferences.
The white population, while always a small minority, has decreased from 4% in 2013 to just 1% in 2022. This change, though small in absolute terms, represents a significant proportional decrease in the white population. The neighborhood has not shown any significant presence of other racial groups throughout the observed period, maintaining its status as a predominantly Black community.
The median income in Kinsman has shown modest growth over the past decade, increasing from $11,637 in 2013 to $13,188 in 2022. This 13.3% increase over nine years barely keeps pace with inflation and leaves residents well below the poverty line. The slight improvement in median income does not appear to have significantly altered the neighborhood's economic standing or demographic composition.
The population has decreased from 3,800 in 2013 to 3,410 in 2022, a decline of about 10%. This population decrease could be attributed to various factors such as outmigration due to economic opportunities elsewhere, lower birth rates, or changes in housing availability.
The demographic stability of Kinsman contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many urban areas. While many U.S. cities have experienced gentrification and demographic shifts in historically Black neighborhoods, Kinsman appears to have resisted such changes, maintaining its racial homogeneity.
The persistent low income levels in Kinsman are particularly striking when compared to national median household income figures, which were around $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents of this neighborhood and suggests a lack of economic integration with broader city and national economic trends.
The population decline in Kinsman is notable in the context of Cleveland's overall population trends. Like many Rust Belt cities, Cleveland has experienced population loss in recent decades, and Kinsman's decline appears to be part of this broader urban trend.
Kinsman presents a picture of a neighborhood that has maintained its demographic character as a predominantly African American community over the past decade, with only slight changes in its economic profile. The persistence of low incomes and the gradual population decline suggest ongoing socio-economic challenges that have not significantly altered despite modest income growth. This stability in racial composition, coupled with persistent economic struggles, indicates that Kinsman faces continued challenges in achieving economic parity with broader city and national averages.
