Loading Content...
Demographic Stability and Economic Growth in Liberty City/Summerside: A Study of African American Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Liberty City/Summerside in Savannah, Georgia, is a neighborhood with low diversity, characterized by a strong African American majority. As of 2022, the community has a population of 3,330 and a median income of $48,818. This neighborhood is notable for its historical significance in Savannah's African American community.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), Liberty City/Summerside has consistently maintained its status as a low diversity neighborhood with a clear racial majority. The African American population has remained above 90% throughout this period, ranging from 93% to 96%. This stability in racial composition suggests a deeply rooted African American community with strong cultural ties to the area.
There have been minor fluctuations in other racial groups, particularly in the Hispanic population, which saw a slight increase from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, with a peak of 5% in 2021. However, these changes have not been significant enough to alter the overall demographic categorization of the neighborhood.
The median income in Liberty City/Summerside has shown an upward trend, particularly in recent years. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $36,529 to $48,818, representing a 33.6% increase over this period. This economic improvement is especially pronounced from 2019 to 2022, where the median income rose from $34,757 to $48,818, a 40.5% increase in three years.
This economic growth appears to have occurred without significant changes in the racial composition of the neighborhood, suggesting internal economic development rather than gentrification-driven demographic shifts. The stability of the African American majority alongside rising incomes could indicate improving economic opportunities for long-term residents.
The economic trajectory of Liberty City/Summerside is noteworthy when compared to national trends. The median household income in the United States increased by about 10% from 2013 to 2022, adjusted for inflation. In contrast, Liberty City/Summerside's 33.6% increase significantly outpaces this national average, suggesting a period of accelerated economic growth in the neighborhood.
Despite this growth, the neighborhood's median income in 2022 ($48,818) still falls below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This indicates that while significant progress has been made, there is still room for economic development in the area.
The stability of the African American majority in Liberty City/Summerside contrasts with trends in many urban areas across the United States, where historically African American neighborhoods have experienced significant demographic shifts due to gentrification. The ability of this community to maintain its demographic character while experiencing economic growth is noteworthy and may be indicative of strong community cohesion and effective local economic development strategies.
Liberty City/Summerside presents a case of a stable, predominantly African American community experiencing significant economic growth without major demographic shifts. This trend suggests a path of community-based economic development that could serve as a model for other urban neighborhoods seeking to improve economic conditions while preserving cultural identity and community cohesion.
