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Demographic Transition in Harriman Park: From Black Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Harriman Park, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits characteristics of a Black Majority community with 55% of the population identifying as Black in 2022. The neighborhood is showing signs of transitioning towards a more diverse composition. As of 2022, the median income is $23,890, which is low compared to national averages. Harriman Park has historical significance as one of Birmingham's older African American communities, established during the era of racial segregation.
Over the past decade, Harriman Park has undergone a demographic transformation. In 2013, it was categorized as a Low Diversity area with a strong Black Majority (75% Black). By 2022, while still maintaining a Black Majority, the neighborhood has shifted towards Moderate Diversity. The percentage of Black residents decreased from 75% to 55%, while the White population increased from 22% to 27%, and the Hispanic population grew from 0% to 16%. This trend indicates that Harriman Park is becoming a Transitional Community, moving away from its historical status as a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $14,115 to $23,890, a 69% rise. This economic improvement coincides with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood. The median income remains low compared to national averages. The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 1,300 and 1,800 residents. The slight increase in population from 1,361 in 2019 to 1,655 in 2022 could be attributed to the influx of new racial groups, particularly Hispanic residents.
The changes observed in Harriman Park reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. Many historically Black neighborhoods in major cities have experienced similar demographic shifts due to factors including gentrification, urban redevelopment, and changing housing patterns.
The pace of change in Harriman Park appears to be more rapid than the national average. While many U.S. cities have seen gradual increases in diversity over decades, Harriman Park has undergone a significant transformation in just ten years.
The economic growth in Harriman Park, while substantial in percentage terms, still leaves the neighborhood well below national median income levels. This suggests that while the area is diversifying, it still faces economic challenges common to many urban neighborhoods in transition.
Harriman Park is undergoing a demographic and economic transformation. It is evolving from a low-diversity, predominantly Black neighborhood to a more diverse community with a growing Hispanic population and increasing median income. This transition presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and economic development in the coming years.
