Woodlawn United serves the Woodlawn Community and Kingston-East Birmingham neighborhoods of Birmingham, AL

Since 2010, Woodlawn United has served as the community quarterback in Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn community. Guided by the Purpose Built Communities model, we unite partners and investments to transform neighborhoods—ending concentrated poverty and opening doors to opportunity.

Working alongside residents, we coordinate the four tenets that shape a thriving neighborhood: cradle to college and career education, high quality mixed income housing, community wellbeing, and economic vitality. By uniting partners to deliver wraparound supports at school, at home, and across the community, we are building a springboard to greater opportunity for every family, improved health and wellness, and increased upward mobility.

This dashboard shows community data for both the Woodlawn community (East Avondale, Oak Ridge, South Woodlawn, Woodlawn) and Kingston-East Birmingham neighborhoods and City of Birmingham. The data presented here represent short-term outcomes in the theory of change for the Purpose Built Communities Model. These charts help us understand our progress towards equitable outcomes, defined as a community metric reaching parity or better with the status for their city.

In the dashboard, you can explore the most recent data available related to: housing stability, education, health, access to care, ability to pay for other expenses, and employment.

Woodlawn & Kingston-East Birmingham | How do we estimate neighborhood indicators?

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HOUSING STABILITY

Increasing access to high quality housing for legacy residents while welcoming new families to the community is central to our approach. We pair critical repairs and home rehabilitation with construction of new mixed income housing so neighbors across income levels can live near strong schools and safe streets.

Strategic infill, land stewardship, and homeowner supports help preserve affordability, prevent displacement, and strengthen block by block stability.

We look at multiple measures to understand housing stability, which tells us that a neighborhood is somewhere that people feel invested in. Stable housing is also foundational for health, education, and economic prosperity. Information here is from the American Community Survey 5-year estimate and our local school district.

Woodlawn | Kingston-East Birmingham | Birmingham

Community longevity

Share of households (renters and owners) who have lived at current address for eight or more years

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Community longevity

This variable estimates the proportion of households (renters and owners) that have lived at their current address for eight or more years. This estimate is derived from the American Community Survey (ACS), which tracks the tenure of householders. While the ACS collects data on length of residence annually, comparing this data across years is challenging due to how the Census Bureau reports it in time ranges. As a result, we present estimates for 2012 and 2022 to show the share of long-term residents. This metric provides insight into the housing stability and resident retention in a community, reflecting neighborhood cohesion and potential economic stability.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Homeownership rate

Share of households who own their current residence

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Homeownership rate

This variable estimates the share of households that own their current residence versus those that rent. Housing units acquired with a mortgage or other lending arrangements are classified as "owned," even if repayment is not yet complete. This data helps to understand homeownership rates and housing stability within a community.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

ECONOMIC VITALITY

A strong neighborhood economy keeps prosperity local. We help residents access good jobs, grow small businesses, and connect to contracting opportunities.

By bringing needed goods and services to Woodlawn and supporting local entrepreneurs, we create a commercial core that serves families, supports schools, and sustains housing investments.

Our indicators show if residents in our community have money to pay for basic needs. We track our community’s ability to pay for other expenses by looking at the poverty rate and cost-burdened households. Together, these data points are important for understanding the vulnerabilities and financial stress within our community.

Woodlawn | Kingston-East Birmingham | Birmingham

Cost-burdened households (30%+ on housing costs)

Share of households that spend >30% of household income on housing costs

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Cost-burdened households (30%+ on housing costs)

This variable estimates the share of households that pay 30% or more of their household income on housing-related costs, such as rent or mortgage and utilities. It indicates the financial burden of housing costs on households and helps identify those at risk of housing instability. When housing costs consume a large portion of income, households may struggle to afford other essential expenses like food, healthcare, and transportation, limiting their overall financial flexibility.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Residents below 200% FPL

Share of residents living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line

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Residents below 200% FPL

This variable estimates the share of residents living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). It considers total family income, family size, number of children, and the age of the householder (under/over age 65). By expanding the threshold to 200% of the FPL, this metric provides a broader view of economic hardship, capturing low-income residents who may not fall under the official poverty line but still face significant challenges in meeting basic needs. These individuals often struggle to afford essential expenses like housing, healthcare, and food, which can impact their overall financial stability and well-being.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

EMPLOYMENT

We connect talent in Woodlawn to pathways that lead to family sustaining work. Residents receive career coaching, skills training, and referrals to employer partners, with a focus on transportation, healthcare, construction, education, and small business operations.

We pair training with practical supports like childcare, stipends, and safe routes to work. Results include job placements, wage gains, and promotions that build household stability and wealth over time.

By measuring how many adults in the community have jobs, we are assessing economic health, social stability, and overall community prosperity. Research evidence from Opportunity Insights shows that growing up in a community where neighbors are working is a significant predictor of future upward mobility.

Woodlawn | Kingston-East Birmingham | Birmingham

Employment rate

Share of residents 16 and older in the labor force who are currently employed

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Employment rate

This variable estimates the proportion of adults actively participating in the labor force who are currently employed. This variable is based on the universe of individuals aged 16 and over, excluding those not actively seeking work (e.g., retirees, students, or those discouraged from job hunting). The data is sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS), which defines the labor force as people either working or actively seeking employment. By calculating the share of those employed among this group, the employment rate provides a snapshot of labor market engagement and economic activity within a community. This variable is essential for understanding local job availability and workforce utilization over time.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Median earnings

Median earnings (dollars) for full-time, year-round workers

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Median earnings

This variable estimates the typical earnings of adults working full-time, year-round, reflecting the midpoint of income distribution among such workers. Specifically, it represents the median earnings—the value at which half of workers earn more and half earn less—based on the universe of individuals aged 16 and over who meet the criteria for full-time employment (working 35 or more hours per week) throughout the year. The data is sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS), specifically Census Table S2001, and provides insight into economic well-being and income disparities within a community. By focusing on full-time, year-round workers, this variable offers a consistent measure of earnings that supports comparisons across different populations and regions over time.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

EDUCATION

Great schools anchor thriving neighborhoods. With partners across the education pipeline, we support strong starts in early learning and a K–12 pathway that prepares students for high school, college, and careers.

We coordinate enrichment programs, family engagement opportunities, and access to wrap around services so every child has what they need to learn, and grow.

To understand access to high-quality educational pathways, we look at data about third-grade reading and pre-k enrollment. Education, beginning at birth, is vital for healthy child development. High-quality, community-serving schools foster children’s development and prepare them for life.

Woodlawn | Kingston-East Birmingham | Birmingham

Pre-K enrollment

Share of 3 and 4 year olds enrolled in public or private school

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Pre-K enrollment

This variable estimates the share of children enrolled in Pre-K programs, which are designed to prepare young learners for the academic and social demands of kindergarten and beyond. Pre-K enrollment is widely recognized as a foundational step in a child’s educational journey, providing critical opportunities for cognitive, social, and emotional development. Research shows that children who attend high-quality Pre-K programs are more likely to perform well academically in later grades, graduate from high school, and achieve higher earning potential as adults. Early investment in Pre-K education helps close learning gaps, fostering long-term academic success and economic resilience.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Third grade reading

Share of students meeting third grade reading standard

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Third grade reading

This variable estimates the share of third graders that are grade level proficient by the end of the school year on their end of year reading exams. Third-grade reading proficiency is widely recognized as a critical milestone for later academic success. Research shows that students who do not meet this benchmark are more likely to struggle in later grades, have lower high school graduation rates, and face challenges in career readiness. Proficiency in reading by third grade is essential for developing skills that impact future learning, which also affects their long-term ability to succeed economically and handle essential expenses as adults.

Source: State Education Agencies

Graduation rate

Share of high school students who graduate in four years

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Graduation rate

This variable estimates the share of students who successfully graduate from high school within four years. High school graduation is a critical milestone that significantly influences a person’s future opportunities, including access to higher education, stable employment, and economic mobility. Research shows that individuals who graduate high school are more likely to secure higher-paying jobs, experience better health outcomes, and contribute positively to their communities. Achieving this benchmark not only reflects a student's academic perseverance but also serves as a foundation for lifelong success and the ability to navigate essential financial and personal responsibilities as adults.

Source: State Education Agencies

WELL-BEING

Healthy neighborhoods provide the infrastructure that makes thriving possible. We collaborate to expand safe public spaces, improve lighting and sidewalks, add traffic calming and crosswalks, and integrate neighborhood cameras with the Birmingham Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.

Through wellness programming, parks, and community events we are building connection and a shared sense of belonging.

Our indicators help us understand the overall physical and mental well-being of our community. Thriving neighborhoods prioritize wellness through medical care, mental health support, healthy food access, community spaces, arts, culture, and green areas.

A note about this data: The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Woodlawn | Kingston-East Birmingham | Birmingham

Estimated rate of diabetes

Estimated share of adults with diabetes

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Estimated rate of diabetes

This variable estimates the percentage of adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with diabetes. According to the CDC, 8.5% of U.S. adults had diabetes in 2021. This condition disproportionately affects certain age, racial, and ethnic groups and is closely tied to the rising prevalence of obesity. Managing diabetes through regular monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids, along with healthy eating and physical activity, can help prevent long-term complications like eye, foot, and kidney problems.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

Estimated rate of hypertension

Estimated share of adults with hypertension

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Estimated rate of hypertension

This variable measures the percentage of adults with blood pressure ≥130/≥80 mmHg. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 U.S. adults (47.3%) have hypertension. High blood pressure significantly raises the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure, and it costs the U.S. healthcare system over $52 billion annually. Managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help prevent these serious health complications.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

Estimated rate of asthma

Estimated share of adults with asthma

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Estimated rate of asthma

This variable measures the percentage of adults currently diagnosed with asthma. According to the CDC, the rate has increased over time, rising from 6.9% in 2001 to 8.4% in 2020. The prevalence is highest among adults living below the poverty threshold (13.1%), and asthma often leads to additional health and economic challenges. Adults with asthma are more likely to report depression, unemployment, and physical limitations, emphasizing the need for ongoing medical management to improve quality of life and reduce the broader impact on daily functioning.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

Estimated self-reported mental health

Estimated share of adults who reported having 16 or more days in the past 30 days where their mental health was good

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Estimated self-reported mental health

Mental health status measures the percentage of adults who reported having 16 or more days of good mental health in the past 30 days. According to the CDC, self-reported health status is a reliable indicator of overall well-being and predicts important outcomes like mortality and functional status. Substantial differences exist in mental health based on factors such as age, race, education, and income. Monitoring self-reported mental health helps guide interventions and track progress at both individual and population levels.<br><br> The CDC PLACES estimates are based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and American Community Survey (ACS), combined with census population data. These estimates are calculated using a method that combines real data from similar areas to provide insights at the neighborhood level. While the estimates are reliable, they may not directly reflect responses from residents in a specific neighborhood.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES

HEALTHCARE ACCESS

When people have access to quality care, they gain the stability needed to build healthier, more secure lives. We work with health partners to connect residents to primary care, behavioral health, screenings, and prevention services within or near the neighborhood. We believe that healthier families are better able to work, learn, and participate fully in community life.

We partner with health systems and nonprofits to improve preventative care. We track routine visits to the doctor and health insurance coverage to learn about our community’s access and use of preventative care. This data helps us understand if individuals are able to monitor and maintain wellness.

Woodlawn | Kingston-East Birmingham | Birmingham

Health insurance coverage

Share of adults with health insurance (public and private)

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Health insurance coverage

This variable estimates the share of residents who had any public or private health insurance coverage. It helps to understand the extent of health coverage within a community, which is important for assessing access to healthcare services.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Private health insurance

Share of adults with private health insurance

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Private health insurance

This variable estimates the share of residents who had any private health insurance coverage. It helps to understand the extent of health coverage within a community, which is important for assessing access to healthcare services.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Public health insurance

Share of adults with public health insurance

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Public health insurance

This variable estimates the share of residents who had any public health insurance coverage. It helps to understand the extent of health coverage within a community, which is important for assessing access to healthcare services.

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimate

Routine visit to doctor

Share of adults who visited the doctor for routine checkup within the past year

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Routine visit to doctor

Regular checkups refer to regular medical visits that help monitor and maintain overall health, and includes receiving recommended vaccinations, screenings, and blood tests in addition to checking blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol with the purpose of maintaining wellness. According to the CDC, obtaining regular checkups can reduce morbidity and premature mortality from chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and diabetes). They also help prevent complications and reduce the need for emergency room visits. These preventive measures improve long-term health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by addressing potential problems before they become urgent.

Source: Center for Disease Control PLACES