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South Woodlawn: A Study of Racial Demographics and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
South Woodlawn, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Low Diversity" with a strong Black Majority. As of 2022, the Black population comprises 85% of the neighborhood, while the median income is $21,983. This income level shows improvement over the past decade but indicates economic challenges for the community. South Woodlawn has historical significance in Birmingham's civil rights movement.
Over the past decade, South Woodlawn has maintained its status as a Black Majority neighborhood with subtle shifts. From 2013 to 2016, the neighborhood showed a slight trend towards increased diversity, with the Black population decreasing from 82% to 75%. From 2017 to 2019, a brief period of "Moderate Diversity" emerged, with the Black population dropping to 67% and White and Hispanic populations reaching 13% and 15% respectively. However, from 2020 to 2022, the neighborhood reverted to a strong Black Majority, with the Black population rising back to 85%.
The economic trajectory of South Woodlawn shows a general upward trend with some volatility. From 2013 to 2019, median income rose steadily from $15,261 to $21,596, a 41% increase over six years. In 2020, there was a sharp decline to $17,591. From 2021 to 2022, there was recovery and growth, with median income reaching $21,983 in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The neighborhood's population has been steadily declining throughout this period, from 3,089 in 2010 to 1,716 in 2022, a 44% decrease.
Birmingham as a whole has been experiencing demographic changes, with a slowly decreasing Black population and increasing Hispanic population. South Woodlawn's maintenance and strengthening of its Black Majority status suggests it may be viewed as a cultural enclave within the broader city context.
The economic improvements in South Woodlawn, while positive, may not be keeping pace with national trends. The median household income in the United States grew from about $51,000 in 2010 to $67,000 in 2020, a 31% increase. South Woodlawn's growth, while substantial, still leaves it significantly below these national figures, indicating persistent economic challenges.
South Woodlawn represents a neighborhood that has maintained its strong Black Majority status despite brief periods of increased diversity. While showing economic improvement, it continues to face challenges related to population decline and below-average income levels. The neighborhood's ability to preserve its cultural identity while addressing these economic issues will likely be crucial for its future development and sustainability.
