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Demographic Analysis of Clay Center, Ohio (43408): A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Clay Center, Ohio (zip code 43408) is categorized as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. As of 2022, 89% of the population identifies as white, with minor representation of other racial groups. The median income in 2022 was $84,999, exceeding the national median. The village had a population of 53 people in 2022.
Over the past decade, Clay Center has maintained its Low Diversity status with a White Majority. The percentage of white residents has remained above 80%. A minor increase in diversity occurred, with a small Hispanic population (2% to 12% over the years) and the emergence of a two or more races category (8% in 2022). The community has not transitioned to a different diversity category.
The median income in Clay Center has shown an upward trend over the past decade. It increased from $53,420 in 2013 to $90,740 in 2021, before decreasing to $84,999 in 2022. This represents an overall increase of 59% over nine years. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 52 and 64 residents throughout the decade.
The economic growth has not significantly altered the racial composition of the village. The overwhelmingly white demographic has been maintained despite rising incomes. This suggests that economic benefits have largely accrued to the existing population rather than attracting a more diverse influx of new residents.
The trends in Clay Center both align with and diverge from broader national patterns. The increase in median income is consistent with national trends of economic recovery and growth following the 2008 recession. However, the lack of significant demographic change contrasts with many urban and suburban areas across the U.S., which have generally seen increasing diversity over the past decade.
The stability of the racial composition in Clay Center may be attributed to its rural location and very small population size, which can limit opportunities for significant demographic shifts. The slight increase in Hispanic population and the emergence of a multi-racial category, though small, reflect broader national trends towards increasing diversity, albeit on a much smaller scale.
The economic growth without corresponding population growth or increased diversity is notable. It suggests that the village has increased prosperity for its existing residents without expanding or significantly changing its demographic makeup. This could be due to factors such as improved local economic conditions, residents commuting to better-paying jobs in nearby areas, or changes in the types of employment available to residents.
Clay Center presents a case of economic growth within a stable, low-diversity rural community. It has experienced significant income increases while largely maintaining its demographic character, showing only minor shifts towards increased diversity. This pattern diverges from many urban and suburban areas but may be representative of similar small, rural communities across the United States.
