2026 CFLEADS Economic Mobility Summit
Creating Inclusive Prosperity in a Flint Neighborhood: Case Study on Civic Park
Civic Park is a neighborhood where most families live in single-family homes. Today, more than 2,400 people live in the part of the neighborhood covered by the primary census tract in the area.
During the last decade, the population in this portion of Civic Park declined by nearly 1,200 people. We can also see that the area has changed in other ways.
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This part of Civic Park is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the nation. Around 43% of residents live below the poverty line, which is about two times greater than the average for Genesee County and about three times more than the national average. Unfortunately, poverty increased by 7 percentage points in the area during the last decade even though it fell in Genesee County overall.
We can also observe how some of the indicators linked to future prosperity are currently performing.
Homeownership is moderate in this portion of Civic Park. Around 58% of homes are owner-occupied.
Housing growth during the last decade was negative in this part of Civic Park. The number of local homes fell 20%, which was one of the steepest declines of any neighborhood in the nation.
Long-term vacancy is very high in this portion of Civic Park. Over 25% of homes sit empty and off the market, which is also among the worst levels seen in the country.
Self-employment rates are very high in this part of Civic Park. Over 10% 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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