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Demographic Analysis of Freeport, Illinois: A Study of Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Freeport, Illinois, as of 2022, is classified as a "White Majority" community with 71% of the population identifying as white. The city has shown signs of increasing diversity over the past decade. The current median income of $43,789 places Freeport in a lower-middle-income bracket for Illinois, indicating potential economic challenges.
Over the past decade, Freeport has maintained its status as a "White Majority" community, but with a gradual trend towards increased diversity. The white population has decreased from 76% in 2013 to 71% in 2022, while other racial groups have seen modest increases. The Hispanic population has doubled from 3% to 6%. The "Two or More Races" category has more than doubled from 3% to 7%. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 14-16%.
The median income in Freeport has fluctuated over the past decade, showing an overall modest increase from $41,128 in 2013 to $43,789 in 2022. This represents a 6.5% increase over nine years, which is below the rate of inflation for the same period. This suggests that real wages in Freeport have effectively decreased. The population has steadily declined from 26,950 in 2013 to 25,328 in 2022, a decrease of about 6%.
Freeport's demographic shifts align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many American cities. However, its economic trends, particularly the population decline, may be more characteristic of smaller Midwestern cities facing deindustrialization and outmigration.
Based on the observed trends, Freeport is likely to continue its gradual transition towards greater diversity. If current trends persist, the white population may drop below 70% in the next 5-10 years, potentially moving Freeport from a "White Majority" to a "Transitional Community". The Hispanic and multiracial populations are likely to continue growing, possibly reaching 10% each within the next decade. Economic challenges may persist, with potential for further population decline unless new economic opportunities emerge.
Freeport remains a "White Majority" community, but shows clear signs of evolving into a more diverse city. This demographic transition is occurring against a backdrop of economic stagnation and population loss, which may have significant implications for the city's future development and community dynamics. City leaders may need to focus on economic revitalization strategies to reverse the population decline and improve economic outcomes for all residents, particularly as the community becomes more diverse.
