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Old Redford Neighborhood: A Study of Racial Demographics and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Old Redford, a neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, is classified as having "Low Diversity" with a "Racial Majority" of Black residents. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 1,158 and a median income of $67,072. Old Redford is known for its historic architecture and community revitalization efforts, including the restoration of the Redford Theatre, a 1928 movie palace that continues to operate today.
Over the past decade, Old Redford has maintained its status as a predominantly Black neighborhood. In 2013, the Black population represented 60% of the community, which increased to 95% by 2016 and remained stable until 2019. From 2020 onwards, there has been a slight decrease in the Black population percentage, dropping to 83% in 2022. The White population, which was at 37% in 2013, decreased to 5% by 2016 and has remained relatively low since then. The "Other" racial category has increased from negligible levels to 11% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Old Redford have been accompanied by economic changes. The median income increased from $32,365 in 2013 to $72,921 in 2019. There was a decrease in median income to $65,980 in 2020, with a gradual recovery to $67,072 in 2022. The population figures have fluctuated over the years, with a low point of 700 residents in 2013 and peaking at 1,254 in 2016. The current population of 1,158 in 2022 suggests a relatively stable community size in recent years.
The demographic trends in Old Redford reflect patterns seen in many urban neighborhoods across the United States, particularly in cities with historically significant Black populations like Detroit. The increase in median income from 2013 to 2019 could indicate a period of economic revitalization or gentrification. The persistence of a strong Black majority in Old Redford, even as incomes rose, suggests that the neighborhood may have experienced "Black gentrification" – where middle and upper-income Black residents move into or remain in historically Black neighborhoods.
The slight diversification trend observed in recent years, with an increase in the "Other" racial category, might reflect broader national trends of increasing multiracial populations and growing diversity in urban areas. However, Old Redford's changes in this regard are modest compared to national averages, maintaining its character as a predominantly Black neighborhood.
Old Redford has seen significant economic improvements over the past decade, while its racial composition has remained relatively stable, with only recent signs of potential diversification. This stability in racial demographics, coupled with economic growth, presents a case study in urban development and community preservation.
