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Demographic Transition in Garfield Heights, Ohio: A Study of Racial Composition Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Garfield Heights, Ohio, has undergone a significant demographic transformation from 2013 to 2022. The city's population in 2022 was 29,497, with a median income of $44,263. The racial composition shows a Black majority of 56%, followed by a White population of 34%, indicating a shift from its historical demographic makeup.
Over the past decade, Garfield Heights transitioned from a "White Majority" status in 2013 to a "Black Majority" status by 2020. In 2013, 57% of the population was white. By 2016, the city had "Moderate Diversity" with no clear majority. In 2018, it became a "Majority-Minority" city, and by 2020, it had a "Black Majority." This transition represents an inversion of the racial makeup over a single decade.
The demographic shifts correlate with fluctuations in median income. As the city transitioned from a White Majority to a Black Majority, the median income showed an overall declining trend. From $44,823 in 2013, it dropped to $40,261 in 2015 during the period of rapid demographic change. Despite a recovery to $46,667 in 2021, the most recent data shows a decline to $44,263 in 2022, below the 2013 level.
The population of Garfield Heights decreased steadily from 2010 to 2019 but has shown a rebound since 2020, coinciding with the solidification of the Black Majority status. This could indicate a trend of Black residents moving into the area.
The trend in Garfield Heights aligns with patterns seen in many Midwestern cities, where demographic shifts often correlate with economic challenges and urban transformation. The rapid change from a White Majority to a Black Majority in just a decade is notable and may reflect broader regional demographic shifts or localized factors.
Based on observed trends, Garfield Heights is likely to continue as a "Black Majority" community in the near future. The Hispanic population has shown consistent growth from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. If this trend continues, the city could potentially transition towards a "Transitional Community" status in the coming years.
Economically, the city may face challenges in increasing median income levels. The correlation between demographic shifts and economic indicators suggests that efforts to attract diverse businesses and improve educational and job training opportunities could be crucial for economic growth.
Garfield Heights exemplifies a city in rapid demographic transition, moving from a White Majority to a solidifying Black Majority within a decade. This shift has been accompanied by economic fluctuations and population changes, presenting both challenges and opportunities for community development and economic revitalization in the coming years.
