Baltimore is one of the 30 largest cities by population in the United States. More than 300,000 African Americans live in Baltimore, making up 61 percent of the city’s population. The black community in Baltimore faces extraordinary challenges as compared to whites in the city.

This fact sheet parallels national statistics from a recent report by the Joint Economic Committee Democrats. Data from the 30 largest U.S. cities by population appear on the reverse side of this fact sheet.

Unemployment

At 14.8 percent, the unemployment rate for African Americans in Baltimore is more than two-and-a-half times the 5.8 percent rate for whites (see Figure).

African Americans face an unemployment rate that is over six percentage points higher than the highest unemployment rate experienced by whites (8.5 percent) during the recent recession.

Income

The median income of African American households in the city is $34,600—nearly $30,000 less than the median income of white households ($63,700).

Poverty

More than one in four African Americans in Baltimore live in poverty (27 percent)—almost double the rate for whites (14 percent).

Education

Among those 25 years old and over in Baltimore, whites are more than three-and-a-half times as likely as African Americans the same age to have a 4-year college degree (51 percent vs. 14 percent).

Work Experience

Only 36 percent of African Americans work full time compared to 47 percent of whites in the city.