Demographic Analysis of Oak Valley, NJ (08051): A Study of Racial Composition

CATEGORY

Demographics

DATA

Population

Median Income

Racial Distributions

DATA SOURCE

United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)

Oak Valley, New Jersey (zip code 08051) is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 88% of the total, exceeding the 75% threshold for low diversity. The area has experienced consistent population growth over the past decade, reaching 8,757 residents in 2022. The community has seen significant income growth, with the median income increasing from $87,304 in 2013 to $103,014 in 2022, indicating a prosperous suburban environment.

Oak Valley has maintained its status as a Low Diversity area with a White Majority throughout the decade. The white population percentage has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 87% and 91% over the years. There has been a minor increase in diversity, with the Black population growing from 2% in 2016-2018 to 5% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown small fluctuations, ranging from 2% to 5% over the decade. The Asian population has remained consistently low, between 0% and 2%. These changes are not substantial enough to alter the area's Low Diversity classification, but they indicate a gradual trend towards increased racial representation.

The economic trajectory of Oak Valley has been predominantly positive, with some fluctuations. Median income has grown significantly, from $87,304 in 2013 to $103,014 in 2022, representing an 18% increase over nine years. A notable increase in median income occurred between 2019 ($87,732) and 2020 ($103,645), possibly related to pandemic-induced economic shifts. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $110,708, followed by a slight decrease in 2022. These economic trends suggest growing affluence in the area, which may be attracting a slightly more diverse population, albeit at a very slow pace.

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Oak Valley's demographic composition is less diverse than many urban and suburban areas in New Jersey, which is known for its multicultural communities. The area's income growth outpaces national averages, suggesting it is an economically robust suburb. The slight increase in diversity, particularly in the Black and Hispanic populations, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas, though at a much slower rate in Oak Valley.

Oak Valley represents a stable, affluent, predominantly white suburban community that is experiencing very gradual diversification. The economic prosperity of the area appears to be the primary driver of population growth, attracting new residents while maintaining its overall demographic character. While the community does not reflect the rapid diversification seen in many American suburbs, it shows signs of slow, incremental change towards greater racial representation.

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