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Demographic Analysis of Astoria, Illinois: A Predominantly White Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Astoria, Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Low Diversity" based on established terminology. As of 2022, the white population comprises 98% of the total, surpassing the 75% threshold for this classification. The town's median income stands at $39,922 in 2022, with a population of 1,362, indicating a small, predominantly white community with moderate economic conditions.
Over the past decade, Astoria has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The white population has remained dominant, ranging from 92% to 98% throughout the period. Minimal change in racial composition has occurred, with only a slight increase in the "race_other" category from 0% to 1% between 2019 and 2020. This stability in racial demographics suggests little influx of diverse populations or outmigration of white residents.
The median income in Astoria has fluctuated over the years, showing a general upward trend. From $35,167 in 2013 to $39,922 in 2022, there has been a modest increase of about 13.5% over nine years. However, this growth has not been consistent, with some years showing decreases. The peak median income was recorded in 2021 at $48,060, followed by a significant drop in 2022. These economic fluctuations have not substantially impacted the racial composition of the town.
Population figures have shown a slight decline from 1,637 in 2013 to 1,362 in 2022, a decrease of about 16.8%. This decline, coupled with the consistent racial composition, may indicate some out-migration, possibly of younger residents, while maintaining racial homogeneity.
Astoria's persistent "Low Diversity" status contrasts with many areas that have transitioned towards "Moderate Diversity" or "High Diversity" over the past decade. The town's economic trajectory, with modest income growth, aligns somewhat with national trends of slow but steady economic recovery post-2008 recession, though the recent drop in median income may reflect local economic challenges.
Based on observed trends, Astoria will likely maintain its "Low Diversity" status in the near future. The consistency of its racial composition over the past decade, despite economic fluctuations and population decline, suggests a stable community structure resistant to rapid demographic change. However, if population decline continues and economic conditions do not improve, gradual change may occur.
In the longer term, if broader national trends of increasing diversity eventually reach Astoria, a very slow transition towards a "Transitional Community" category might occur. This would be characterized by small but noticeable increases in non-white populations, particularly in the "race_other" or "race_two_or_more" categories. However, given the current data, such a transition would likely take many years to materialize, if it occurs at all.
Astoria presents a case of demographic stability amidst moderate economic fluctuations and population decline. Its resistance to diversification sets it apart from many communities experiencing rapid demographic changes, making it a case study in persistent low diversity in small-town America.
