Smaller cities as well, Benton Harbor & St. Joseph, MI are considered twin cities locally. Very similar population sizes today, but otherwise, very different trajectories & demographics. At one time (around 1960), Benton Harbor was twice the size of St. Joseph with a population of around 20,000, and it was the commercial center. Today, St. Joseph is the tourist destination for shopping & beaches and its population is stable. Benton Harbor is trying to recover but it is slow going. One thing Benton Harbor has in its favor - it is the world HQ of Whirlpool, which continues to invest a lot in the community.
Benton Harbor
Population: 9,741 (2019 est.)
Percent Change Since 2010: -2.9%
Racial Makeup: 86% African American (2019 est.)
Median Family Income: $20,232 (in 2018 dollars)
St. Joseph
Population: 8,317 (2019 est.)
Percent Change Since 2010: -0.6%
Racial Makeup: 87% White (2010)
Median Family Income: $60,118 (in 2018 dollars)
Apart from demographics, they are physically divided by the Kalamazoo River where it joins Lake Michigan. St. Joseph is on the right, Benton Harbor on the left -
Source:
US Army Corp of Engineers