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Demographic Analysis of Melrose Park, Illinois: Hispanic Majority and Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Melrose Park, Illinois, is classified as a "Racial Majority" community with a significant Hispanic presence. As of 2022, the Hispanic population comprises 78% of the total population. The city's median income in 2022 was $59,823, and its population was 26,253, residing in an area of 4.35 square miles.
Over the past decade, Melrose Park has transitioned from a "Majority-Minority" community to a clear "Racial Majority" status. In 2013, the Hispanic population was 70%, which increased to 78% by 2022. The white population decreased from 23% to 17% during this period, while other racial groups remained relatively stable. This shift can be categorized as a "Transitional Community" trend, with the Hispanic population showing consistent growth year over year.
The median income in Melrose Park has shown modest growth, increasing from $55,591 in 2013 to $59,823 in 2022, an increase of about 7.6% over nine years. This growth has not kept pace with inflation, suggesting a relative economic stagnation or slight decline in real terms. There was a significant spike in median income to $66,105 in 2021, followed by a sharp decrease in 2022.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 26,000 and 27,000 residents throughout the decade. This stability, combined with the increasing Hispanic majority, suggests that any population turnover has primarily involved an exchange of non-Hispanic residents for Hispanic ones, rather than significant overall growth or decline.
The demographic shift in Melrose Park aligns with broader trends seen in many suburban areas near major cities, where Hispanic populations have been growing. The extent of the Hispanic majority in Melrose Park is notably high compared to national averages, reflecting its status as an established Hispanic enclave. The modest income growth in Melrose Park may be indicative of challenges faced by many working-class and immigrant communities, where wage growth often lags behind more affluent areas.
Based on the observed trends, Melrose Park is likely to continue as a "Racial Majority" community with an increasing Hispanic population. The percentage of Hispanic residents could potentially reach or exceed 80% in the coming years. Economically, unless there are significant changes in local industries or development, the area may continue to see modest income growth. In terms of diversity categories, Melrose Park may be moving towards what could be termed a "Super-Majority" status, where one racial group comprises over 80% of the population.
