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West End Manor: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends in a Birmingham Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West End Manor, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, demonstrates characteristics of a Low Diversity community with a Black Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood's population of 3,482 is 94% Black, with a median income of $34,484. The area is situated near locations significant to Birmingham's civil rights movement.
Over the past decade, West End Manor has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, Black Majority neighborhood. The Black population has remained above 90% throughout this period, with minor fluctuations. Recent data indicates potential signs of a Transitional Community emerging. The Black population decreased from 98% in 2021 to 94% in 2022. A small Hispanic population (4%) appeared in 2022, where previously there was none. The White population increased from 0% in 2013 to 2% by 2020 and has remained stable since.
The median income in West End Manor has shown an overall upward trend over the past decade, with fluctuations. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $29,544 to $34,484, representing growth of about 16.7%. A significant increase in median income occurred between 2015 ($24,777) and 2016 ($30,699), coinciding with a slight population increase. The highest median income was recorded in 2020 at $35,654, followed by a slight decrease in subsequent years.
The demographic composition of West End Manor contrasts with broader trends of increasing diversity observed in many urban areas across the United States. While many cities experience rapid diversification, West End Manor has maintained a highly homogeneous racial composition. This could be attributed to historical patterns of segregation in Birmingham and established community ties within predominantly Black neighborhoods.
The economic improvements in West End Manor, while positive, still leave the neighborhood behind national averages. The 2022 median income of $34,484 is significantly below the national median household income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021. This disparity highlights ongoing economic challenges faced by many predominantly Black urban communities across the country.
The recent emergence of a small Hispanic population and the slight increase in White residents may indicate the beginning of a broader diversification trend, potentially aligning West End Manor more closely with national demographic shifts in future years. However, this process appears to be slower and more gradual compared to many other urban neighborhoods experiencing rapid demographic changes.
West End Manor remains a Low Diversity, Black Majority community, but subtle demographic shifts and gradual economic improvements suggest potential for change. The neighborhood's evolution may serve as a case study in how historically homogeneous urban communities adapt to broader societal trends of increasing diversity and economic development.
