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Demographic Analysis of Palos Heights, Illinois: Racial Composition and Economic Trends (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Palos Heights, Illinois, is classified as a city with Low Diversity, featuring a strong White Majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 86% of the total, exceeding the 75% threshold for Low Diversity. The city's median income of $98,148 in 2022 indicates an affluent community, surpassing the national median income.
Over the past decade, Palos Heights has maintained its Low Diversity status with a White Majority. However, gradual shifts towards increased diversity are evident. The white population decreased from 91% in 2013 to 86% in 2022. The Hispanic population experienced the most significant growth, increasing from 4% in 2013 to 10% in 2022. Other racial groups maintained relatively stable, small percentages. These changes, while notable, have not been substantial enough to transition the city into a new category. If current trends persist, Palos Heights may approach a transition from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity in the coming years.
The median income in Palos Heights has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $85,909 in 2013 to $98,148 in 2022, representing a 14.2% increase. A significant spike occurred in 2021 with a median income of $108,340. This economic growth has occurred alongside the gradual increase in diversity, suggesting that the community has maintained its economic prosperity while becoming slightly more diverse.
Population figures have shown a slight decline, from 13,418 in 2013 to 13,021 in 2022, a decrease of about 3%. This decline might indicate changing demographics, possibly due to an aging population or shifts in housing preferences.
The trends in Palos Heights align with broader patterns seen in many suburban communities across the United States, including gradual increases in diversity, particularly growth in Hispanic populations, economic resilience in affluent suburbs with rising median incomes, and slight population declines in some established suburbs as demographics shift.
Based on observed trends, Palos Heights is likely to continue its gradual transition towards increased diversity over the next decade. The most probable scenario includes continued growth of the Hispanic population, potentially reaching 15-20% by 2032, further decrease in the white population, possibly falling below 80%, and slight increases in other minority populations.
If these trends persist, Palos Heights may transition from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity within the next 5-10 years. This shift could be accompanied by continued economic prosperity, with median incomes likely to maintain their upward trajectory, potential for becoming a Transitional Community if the rate of demographic change accelerates, and possible stabilization or slight increase in population as new, more diverse residents move into the area.
These changes may bring both opportunities and challenges for the community, potentially influencing local politics, education systems, and cultural offerings to better reflect a more diverse population while maintaining the city's economic strengths.
