Loading Content...
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The South East Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan, presents a demographic profile categorized as a "Majority-Minority" area with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 5,597 with a median income of $30,542. This community is notable for its evolving racial composition and its position as a historically underserved area experiencing gradual economic improvements over the past decade.
The South East Community has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade. In 2013, the area could be classified as having a "Black Plurality," with African Americans comprising 50% of the population. By 2022, the community transitioned into a "Majority-Minority" status with "Moderate Diversity." This shift is characterized by a decrease in the Black population from 50% in 2013 to 33% in 2022, an increase in the Hispanic population from 33% to 35%, a rise in the White population from 12% to 19%, and a significant increase in individuals identifying as two or more races, from 5% to 12%. These changes suggest a "Transitional Community" status, with increasing diversity and a more balanced representation of different racial groups.
The demographic shifts in the South East Community correlate with notable economic changes. The median income has shown steady growth, rising from $24,098 in 2013 to $30,542 in 2022, an increase of about 27% over nine years. The population has fluctuated but generally increased from 5,106 in 2013 to 5,597 in 2022, indicating a growing attractiveness of the neighborhood. The increasing diversity and rising median income suggest a gradual economic improvement in the area. This could be attributed to gentrification processes, economic development initiatives targeting historically underserved communities, and increased opportunities for minority groups, particularly Hispanic residents.
The trends observed in the South East Community align with broader national patterns, including increasing diversity in urban areas, particularly in mid-sized cities, gradual economic improvements in historically underserved neighborhoods, and the growth of the Hispanic population as a significant demographic trend across many U.S. cities. Despite the improvements, the median income of $30,542 in 2022 is still considerably below the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2021. This suggests that while progress has been made, the South East Community still faces economic challenges compared to national averages.
The South East Community of Grand Rapids exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater racial diversity and experiencing gradual economic improvement. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community development, potentially requiring targeted policies to ensure inclusive growth and address any disparities that may arise from rapid demographic and economic shifts.