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Demographic Analysis of Paducah, Kentucky: Low Diversity with Gradual Racial Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Paducah, Kentucky exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "Low Diversity" community. As of 2022, the white population comprises 73% of the total. The city's median income is $49,062, with a population of 31,368 distributed across 20.73 square miles.
Over the past decade, Paducah has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The white population has decreased from 76% in 2015 to 73% in 2022. The black population has increased from 16% in 2013 to 19% in 2022. The Hispanic and Asian populations have shown marginal growth. These changes indicate a slow transition towards greater diversity, though not sufficient to alter the city's diversity category.
The median income in Paducah has fluctuated. It reached $55,796 in 2021 before decreasing to $49,062 in 2022. A significant decrease to $42,759 occurred in 2016, followed by a recovery. Periods of higher median income (2019-2021) coincide with slight increases in diversity, particularly in the black and Hispanic populations.
Paducah's slow diversification trend aligns with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in smaller cities. However, the pace of change in Paducah appears slower than in many other U.S. cities of similar size.
Based on observed trends, Paducah is likely to continue its slow transition towards greater diversity. It may remain in the "Low Diversity" category in the near future, with potential to move towards "Moderate Diversity" within the next decade if current trends persist. Economically, the city may experience continued fluctuations in median income, but the overall trend suggests a gradual increase.
To transition out of the "Low Diversity" category, Paducah would need continued growth in its minority populations, particularly in the black, Hispanic, and Asian communities. This transition could be accelerated by economic policies that attract diverse businesses and workforce, as well as community initiatives that promote inclusivity.
Paducah remains a predominantly white community with relatively low diversity. Subtle demographic shifts and economic fluctuations suggest a city in the early stages of transition. Monitoring these trends in the coming years will be crucial to understanding Paducah's evolving socio-economic landscape.
