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Demographic Analysis of Oak Ridge, Tennessee: A Study of Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is classified as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. In 2022, the white population comprised 83% of the city's residents, exceeding the 75% threshold for low diversity classification. The city's median income was $69,567 in 2022, indicating a moderate to upper-middle-income economic environment.
Over the past decade, Oak Ridge has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community. The white population percentage has remained at 83% from 2013 to 2022. The "Two or More Races" category increased from 2% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The Asian population remained at 2-3%, while the Black population decreased from 7% to 5%. The Hispanic population increased from 4% to 5% over the decade.
The median income in Oak Ridge has fluctuated over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, it ranged between $58,667 and $63,708. In 2020 and 2021, it increased significantly, reaching $75,519 in 2021. In 2022, it decreased to $69,567, which is still higher than pre-2020 levels.
Oak Ridge's demographic composition has remained more stable compared to the average U.S. city, where many urban areas have shown increasing diversity. The stability in the white majority percentage is noteworthy, as many similar-sized cities have experienced more rapid diversification.
Based on observed trends, Oak Ridge is likely to remain a Low Diversity, White Majority community in the near future. The slow increase in multiracial and Hispanic populations suggests a gradual shift towards more diversity. If these trends continue or accelerate, Oak Ridge might transition into a Moderate Diversity community over the next few decades, particularly if the combined minority population approaches or exceeds 25%.
The recent volatility in median income makes economic predictions challenging. If the city maintains its current income levels or experiences further growth, it may attract more diverse populations, potentially accelerating the shift towards increased diversity.
Oak Ridge currently remains a stable, Low Diversity community with a strong economic base. Subtle demographic shifts and economic fluctuations suggest the potential for gradual change in the coming years. Monitoring these trends will be crucial for understanding the evolving nature of the city's demographic and economic landscape.
