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East Highlands: A Black Majority Neighborhood with Gradual Economic Improvement
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Highlands, a neighborhood in Dothan, Alabama, is characterized as a Black Majority community undergoing economic transition. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,454 and a median income of $29,356. East Highlands is categorized as having Low Diversity, with the Black population comprising 72% of residents. The neighborhood has demonstrated resilience and gradual economic improvement over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, East Highlands has maintained its status as a Black Majority community. The percentage of Black residents has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 70% and 76%. The White population has shown a slight increase, from 20% in 2013 to 23% in 2022. The Hispanic population has grown from virtually non-existent in 2013 to 2% in 2022. The Two or More Races category has remained relatively stable at around 2-3%.
The economic trajectory of East Highlands shows a positive trend. Median income has increased from $22,207 in 2013 to $29,356 in 2022, representing a 32% increase over the decade. There was a notable increase in median income between 2020 and 2021, from $27,692 to $30,607. The population has grown modestly from 1,347 in 2013 to 1,454 in 2022.
The improving economic conditions, coupled with the stable Black Majority status, indicate that the neighborhood has experienced economic growth while maintaining its cultural identity. This could be seen as an example of community development without significant gentrification or displacement.
The economic improvement in East Highlands is notable, considering the challenges many predominantly Black communities face in terms of economic development and investment. The stability of the racial composition, with only slight increases in diversity, contrasts with trends in many urban areas across the U.S. that have seen more rapid demographic changes. The median income, while showing improvement, is likely still below the national average, indicating ongoing economic challenges despite the positive trend.
East Highlands presents a case of a Black Majority community that has maintained its demographic character while achieving gradual economic improvement over the past decade. This stability, combined with economic growth, suggests a community that has developed without significant disruption to its social fabric. The emerging signs of increased diversity, particularly with the growth of Hispanic and multiracial populations, indicate the potential for more significant demographic shifts in the future. Continued monitoring of these trends will be important for understanding the long-term trajectory of this neighborhood and its implications for community development and social cohesion.
