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Demographic Analysis of Normal, Illinois: Racial Composition and Diversity Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Normal, Illinois, exhibits a demographic evolution from 2013 to 2022. The city's diversity level is categorized as "Low Diversity" with a White Majority, as the white population comprises 75% of the total in 2022. This represents a change from earlier years, indicating a gradual increase in diversity. The city's economic status is relatively stable, with a median income of $66,005 in 2022, showing a slight decrease from previous years but still indicating a middle-class community.
Over the past decade, Normal has been slowly transitioning from "Low Diversity" towards "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the white population made up 81% of the total. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 75%, bordering between "Low Diversity" and "Moderate Diversity." The most significant changes occurred in the Black and Hispanic populations. The Black population increased from 7% in 2013 to 13% in 2022, while the Hispanic population grew from 4% to 6% during the same period. The Asian population also increased slightly from 2% to 4%.
These shifts suggest that Normal is approaching the status of a "Transitional Community." The consistent growth in minority populations, particularly Black and Hispanic, indicates a trend towards increasing diversity. The demographic shifts have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income peaked in 2019 at $68,771 before declining to $66,005 in 2022. This decline coincides with the acceleration of demographic changes, particularly the growth in minority populations.
The population of Normal has remained relatively stable over the decade, with a slight decrease from 56,020 in 2013 to 54,941 in 2022. This stability suggests that the demographic changes are likely due to natural population growth and possibly some in-migration of diverse groups rather than significant overall population shifts.
The trends observed in Normal align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in many American communities. The gradual nature of these changes is typical of many midsize Midwestern towns, which have traditionally been predominantly white but are slowly becoming more diverse.
Based on the observed trends, Normal will likely continue its trajectory towards increased diversity. If current trends persist, within the next 5-10 years, the city may transition from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity." The white population may decrease below 75%, while Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations continue to grow. This could lead to a scenario where two or three racial groups have significant representation (over 20% each), meeting the criteria for "Moderate Diversity."
Economically, if the trend of slightly decreasing median income continues alongside increasing diversity, it may suggest a period of economic adjustment as the community's demographic makeup evolves. However, the relatively high median income suggests that Normal may be able to maintain its middle-class status even as it becomes more diverse.
Normal appears to be on a path of gradual but steady diversification, transitioning from a homogeneous community to one that more closely reflects the increasing diversity of the United States as a whole. This transition presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, economic development, and local governance in the coming years.
