The Black population of the United States is growing. In 2023, an estimated 48.3 million people self-identified as Black, making up 14.4% of the country’s population. The Black American population is diverse, consisting of people with varied racial and ethnic identities and experiences. It includes those who say their race is Black, either alone or in combination with other racial backgrounds.
As economic recovery continues, African Americans are finding economic stability in several regions nationally. A look at locales where Blacks are finding the most success.
In acknowledgement of Black History Month 2024, a new report compiled by Black employees at online rental marketplace Apartment List has ranked cities across four major categories to determine the rankings: community and representation; economic opportunity; housing opportunity; and business environment.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top cities where African Americans are thriving:
Top 10 Cities for Black Professionals
According to the Apartment List report, the top 10 cities for Black professionals are:
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- Washington, D.C.
- Atlanta, Georgia
- San Antonio, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Palm Bay, Florida
- Dallas, Texas
- Austin, Texas
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Lakeland, Florida
- Cape Coral, Florida
Let's take a closer look at some of these cities:
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, billed as the "Black Mecca of the South" by Ebony magazine in 1971, continues to draw African-Americans to its metropolitan area.
Key Facts:
- Median Income: $41,803
- Home Ownership Rate: 46.9%
- Change in Population (2000-13): 49.9%
Today the city continues to draw African-Americans to its metropolitan area.
2. Washington, D.C.
In the 1970s, D.C.'s Black population peaked at 71 percent, with many calling it Chocolate City for that reason. Still the city remains a place where Blacks are excelling economically. In the past 40 years, the Black population has steadily declined to 50 percent as the white population rises.
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Key Facts:
- Median Income: $64,896
- Home Ownership Rate: 49.2%
- Self-Employed: 15.1%
3. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio earned a total score of 65.44 points. The report praised San Antonio's scores across its economic opportunity (No. 2), housing opportunity (No. 7), and community and representation (No. 10). The city ranked No. 20 for its Black business environment.
Key Facts:
- Median Household Income: $41,681
- Home Ownership Rate: 40%
- Share Who Are Employed: 9.3%
4. Houston, Texas
Houston earned a score of 63.01 out of a total 100 points. Houston is commended for its strong Black business environment and economy, but there is some room for improvement when it comes to housing. Houston has a larger Black population than San Antonio, at 19 percent, but its Black population share is overall lower than other cities in the top 10.
Key Facts:
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- Black Homeownership: 42%
- Black Lawyers: 14%
- Black Managers: 14%
"Houston is also home to the HBCU Texas Southern University, helping a job market when the median Black income is several thousand dollars above average."Houston also has the highest rate of Black-owned businesses in the entire state, at 18 percent.
"Furthermore, the community is well-represented in some critical occupations: 20 percent of teachers are Black, as are 21 percent of doctors," the report said.
Other Notable Cities
Several other cities offer promising environments for African Americans:
- Raleigh, NC: Known as the "City of Oaks," Raleigh has attracted more Blacks to its city in the past decade. Median income: $42,285; home ownership rate: 46.7 percent; change in population, 2000-13: 55.9 percent.
- Baltimore, MD: African-Americans in this city are earning on average $47,898; their home ownership rate is 46.2 percent and 15 percent are self-employed.
- Charlotte, NC-SC: The average annual income for Black Charlotteans is $36,522; the home ownership rate is 43.9 percent and 13.6 percent are self-employed.
- Virginia Beach-Norfolk, VA: Median income: $40,677; home ownership rate: 43.8 percent; self-employed: 13.2 percent.
- Orlando, FL: Blacks who call this city home on average earn $33,982; have a home ownership rate of 43.8 percent and 11 percent are self-employed.
- Miami, FL: Median househould income: $36,749; home ownership rate: $44.9 percent; self employment rate: 11.2 percent.
- Richmond, VA: Richmond residents who are African-American have a median household income of $38,889; a 47.8 percent home ownership rate; and 12.7 percent are self-employed.
Here is a table summarizing the key data for some of the top cities:
| City | Median Income | Home Ownership Rate | Self-Employed Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $41,803 | 46.9% | N/A |
| Washington, D.C. | $64,896 | 49.2% | 15.1% |
| San Antonio, TX | $41,681 | 40% | N/A |
| Raleigh, NC | $42,285 | 46.7% | N/A |
| Baltimore, MD | $47,898 | 46.2% | 15% |
| Charlotte, NC-SC | $36,522 | 43.9% | 13.6% |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk, VA | $40,677 | 43.8% | 13.2% |
| Orlando, FL | $33,982 | 43.8% | 11% |
| Miami, FL | $36,749 | 44.9% | 11.2% |
| Richmond, VA | $38,889 | 47.8% | 12.7% |
Choosing the right city can significantly impact the quality of life for African Americans. Factors such as economic opportunity, affordable housing, strong community representation, and a thriving business environment are crucial in making that decision.
