2026 CFLEADS Economic Mobility Summit
Creating Inclusive Prosperity in a Duluth Neighborhood: Case Study on Central Hillside
Central Hillside is a heavily commercial neighborhood where most families live in multifamily housing. Today, more than 1,100 people live in the part of the community covered by the primary census tract in the area.
During the last decade, the population in this portion of Central Hillside declined by nearly 300 people. We can also see that the area has changed in other ways.
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This part of Central Hillside is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the nation. Around 38% of residents live below the poverty line, which is about two times greater than the average for St. Louis County and almost three times more than the national average. However, poverty fell by 10 percentage points in the area during the last decade.
We can also observe how some of the indicators linked to future prosperity are currently performing.
Homeownership is low in this portion of Central Hillside. Only 13% of local homes are owner-occupied, which is lower than almost every other neighborhood in the nation.
Housing growth during the last decade was positive in this part of Central Hillside. The number of homes rose 8%.
Long-term vacancy is somewhat high in this portion of Central Hillside. Around 12% of homes sit empty and off the market.
Self-employment rates are moderate in this part of Central Hillside, where 5% of workers work for themselves.
What else do you want to know about local neighborhoods? What would you like to share with your colleagues, partners, and community members?
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