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Demographic Stability and Economic Fluctuations in South Pratt: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Pratt, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a predominantly Black population (99% in 2022). The neighborhood has experienced economic fluctuations over the past decade, with median income rising from $11,534 in 2013 to $22,890 in 2022. This area is notable for its historical significance in Birmingham's industrial past, once home to many workers in the city's steel mills and factories.
South Pratt has maintained its status as a Racial Majority neighborhood throughout the observed period, with the Black population comprising over 95% of residents each year. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood was categorized as a Black Majority, with 100% of the population identified as Black. From 2017 to 2021, there was a minor increase in diversity, with the Hispanic population reaching 3-4% and a small representation (1%) of residents identifying as two or more races in 2021. In 2022, the neighborhood reverted to its previous state of Low Diversity, with 99% of the population identified as Black.
The economic landscape of South Pratt has undergone significant changes. Median income rose steadily from $11,534 in 2013 to $24,851 in 2019, suggesting gradual economic improvement. There was a notable jump in median income to $35,365 in 2021, coinciding with the period of slightly increased racial diversity. However, 2022 saw a sharp decline in median income back to $22,890, aligning with the return to a more homogeneous racial composition. The population of South Pratt has decreased significantly over the decade, from 533 in 2010 to 222 in 2022.
The demographic trends in South Pratt reflect broader patterns seen in many historically Black neighborhoods in major Southern cities. The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp rise and fall in median income between 2021 and 2022, could be related to broader economic factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
The persistent low diversity in South Pratt contrasts with national trends towards increasing racial diversity in urban areas. This stability might suggest strong community ties and cultural identity within the neighborhood, but it could also indicate potential barriers to integration or economic development that are preventing demographic changes seen in other urban areas.
South Pratt presents a case of demographic stability amidst economic volatility. While the neighborhood has maintained its status as a Black Majority area with Low Diversity, it has experienced significant economic fluctuations. These trends suggest a complex interplay between racial composition, economic factors, and community dynamics that warrant further investigation to fully understand the neighborhood's trajectory and needs.
