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Demographic Analysis of Calexico, California: A Hispanic Majority City
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Calexico, California, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a predominantly Hispanic population. As of 2022, the city's population of 38,690 is 98% Hispanic, with minimal representation from other racial groups. This demographic composition has remained stable over the past decade, contrasting with increasing diversity trends seen in many other American cities.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Calexico has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The Hispanic population has consistently comprised 97% to 98% of the total population. This stability suggests entrenched cultural and social patterns, possibly influenced by the city's proximity to the Mexican border. Other racial categories have shown minimal fluctuations, with the White population decreasing from 2% to 1% over the decade, and a small Asian population (1%) emerging in recent years.
Despite demographic stability, Calexico has experienced economic changes. The median income has increased from $43,293 in 2013 to $52,321 in 2022, a rise of approximately 20.9%. This growth indicates improving economic conditions for the predominantly Hispanic population. However, the population has declined from a peak of 40,240 in 2016 to 38,690 in 2022, suggesting a complex socio-economic shift potentially related to outmigration of lower-income residents or changes in local employment opportunities.
Calexico's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. Its overwhelmingly Hispanic population is likely influenced by its location on the U.S.-Mexico border. The economic improvements align with broader national trends of economic recovery and growth post-2008 recession, although Calexico's median income remains below the national average.
Based on observed trends, it is unlikely that Calexico will transition out of its "Low Diversity" category in the near future. The Hispanic majority has shown stability over a decade, suggesting strong cultural and social factors maintaining this demographic composition. Economically, further increases in median income may be expected if current trends continue. However, the declining population trend is a concern, potentially leading to challenges related to a shrinking tax base and shifts in local economic dynamics.
Calexico might evolve into a "Homogeneous Growth Community," characterized by persistent low diversity with steady economic improvements. This would represent a case study of economic development within a culturally homogeneous setting, challenging assumptions about the relationship between diversity and economic growth in urban areas.
