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Demographic Analysis of Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania: A Predominantly White Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania, exhibits demographic stability within a changing economic environment. As of 2022, the community is categorized as "Low Diversity," with a white population of 97%. This racial composition has remained consistent over the past decade, despite changes in population and median income.
From 2013 to 2022, Loyalhanna has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The white population has consistently exceeded 94%, with minor variations. Slight increases in racial diversity have occurred, particularly in the "two or more races" category, which reached 5% in 2017 but has since stabilized around 2%. This indicates a minimal trend towards increased diversity, insufficient to alter the community's diversity classification.
Economic indicators have shown more variability than racial demographics. The median income has fluctuated, increasing from $44,588 in 2013 to a peak of $57,575 in 2019, before slightly decreasing to $55,816 in 2022. This represents a net increase of approximately 25% over the decade, surpassing inflation. This economic growth has occurred alongside a gradual population decline, from 4,722 in 2013 to 4,267 in 2022, a decrease of about 9.6%.
The stability of Loyalhanna's racial composition differs from national trends towards increasing diversity. However, the economic growth aligns with broader patterns of recovery and growth following the 2008 financial crisis. The population decline may reflect broader trends of migration from rural or small-town areas to urban centers.
Based on observed trends, Loyalhanna is likely to remain in the "Low Diversity" category for the foreseeable future. The slow increase in diversity, particularly in the "two or more races" category, suggests a gradual shift towards slightly more diversity, but not enough to transition into a new category within the next decade.
Economically, if the trend of increasing median income continues alongside population decline, the community may become more affluent but smaller. This could lead to changes in local services, housing markets, and community dynamics.
If the population decline continues at a similar rate, Loyalhanna could see its population drop below 4,000 within the next 5-10 years. This could have significant implications for local governance, services, and community planning.
While the racial composition is likely to remain stable, the economic and population trends suggest that Loyalhanna may be transitioning into a smaller, potentially more affluent community. This could present both challenges and opportunities for local policymakers and community leaders in the coming years.
