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East Garfield Park: A Study of Low Diversity and Black Majority Demographics
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Garfield Park, a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, exemplifies a Low Diversity community with a significant Black Majority. As of 2022, 79% of the population identifies as Black, with a median income of $29,739. This neighborhood has historically faced challenges with urban poverty and disinvestment, but is also known for its community resilience and revitalization efforts, particularly through the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Over the past decade, East Garfield Park has maintained its status as a Black Majority community, with a gradual shift towards increased diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity, with 92% of the population identifying as Black. By 2022, while still categorized as Low Diversity, the Black population decreased to 79%. The Hispanic population increased from 5% in 2013 to 13% in 2022, while the White population increased from 2% to 6% over the same period.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income and population. Median income increased from $23,842 in 2013 to $29,739 in 2022, a rise of 24.7%. However, the population decreased from 21,943 in 2013 to 20,040 in 2022, a decline of 8.7%. The most substantial income growth occurred between 2019 and 2021, coinciding with the period of increased racial diversification.
East Garfield Park's changes can be viewed within the context of Chicago's evolving urban landscape. The neighborhood's gradual diversification aligns with trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The pace of change in East Garfield Park appears slower than in some other Chicago neighborhoods that have undergone rapid gentrification. The income growth, while positive, still leaves East Garfield Park below Chicago's overall median household income. The population decline contrasts with growth seen in some other Chicago neighborhoods.
East Garfield Park is showing signs of gradual demographic and economic change, potentially transitioning towards increased diversity and economic improvement. These changes are occurring slowly and unevenly, with challenges evidenced by the population decline. The neighborhood's evolution reflects broader urban trends of diversification and economic restructuring, but with a unique local context shaped by its history of disinvestment and community identity.
