Demographic Analysis of Nekoma, Illinois: A Predominantly White Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Nekoma, Illinois, is a small community with low racial diversity. As of 2022, the population was 109 with a median income of $54,230. The community has maintained a white majority above 90% of the population throughout the observed period from 2013 to 2022.
From 2013 to 2022, Nekoma remained in the "Low Diversity" category. The white population percentage decreased slightly from 96% in 2013 to 95% in 2022. Small percentages of black residents (1-2%) and Hispanic residents (1%) appeared in recent years. A small two or more races population (1%) emerged in 2022. These changes represent a slow trend towards increased diversity, while still within the "Low Diversity" classification.
The demographic shifts coincide with economic changes. Median income declined from $65,445 in 2013 to $54,230 in 2022, a decrease of about 17%. The population decreased from 167 in 2013 to 109 in 2022, a 35% reduction. These trends suggest a challenging period for Nekoma, with declining incomes and a shrinking population potentially influencing or being influenced by the subtle demographic changes.
The trends in Nekoma contrast with national trends of increasing diversity in many areas. The declining population and income levels may indicate local economic challenges or changing preferences for urban living over small, rural communities.
Based on the observed trends, Nekoma is likely to continue its slow diversification process while remaining within the "Low Diversity" category in the near future. If current trends accelerate, it may eventually transition into a "Transitional Community" category, particularly if the growth in minority populations continues and economic conditions stabilize or improve.
The community faces challenges in maintaining its population and economic vitality. Future scenarios could include continued gradual diversification with potential economic recovery, leading to a more stable, slightly more diverse community. Alternatively, accelerated population decline could lead to further economic challenges and either hastened diversification or a reversal to an even more homogeneous community as younger, more diverse residents may leave for better opportunities.
Nekoma remains a low-diversity area, but the subtle demographic shifts and significant economic changes over the past decade suggest a community in transition. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these changes represent the beginning of a more substantial transformation or a temporary fluctuation in an otherwise stable demographic landscape.
