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Demographic Analysis of Watson, Illinois: A Low Diversity Community with Emerging Racial Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Watson, Illinois, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community, with a predominantly White population (94% in 2022). The village has a population of 1,953 as of 2022, with a median income of $62,499. This categorization has remained consistent throughout the analyzed period, though subtle shifts in demographics and economic indicators are present.
Watson has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community throughout the analyzed period. The White population has consistently been above 90%, qualifying it for this category. However, there are signs of a slow transition towards slightly increased diversity. The Hispanic population has grown from no reported data to 6% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has fluctuated but maintained a small presence (1-2%) in recent years. These changes suggest the beginnings of a potential "Transitional Community" status, albeit at a very slow pace.
The median income in Watson has shown an overall upward trend. In 2013, it was $54,335. By 2017, it increased to $61,463 (12.9% increase from 2013). In 2021, it reached $69,550 (13.2% increase from 2017). However, in 2022, it decreased to $62,499 (10.1% decrease from 2021). Despite the recent decrease in 2022, the general trend shows economic growth. This growth coincides with the subtle increase in diversity, suggesting that economic opportunities may be attracting a slightly more diverse population.
Population trends show a gradual decline. In 2013, the population was 2,152. It increased to 2,235 in 2017, then decreased to 2,048 in 2021, and further declined to 1,953 in 2022. The decreasing population, coupled with increasing median income (until 2022), might indicate a shift in the village's demographic composition, possibly towards an older, more established population.
Watson's demographic makeup differs significantly from Illinois state averages. Illinois is generally more diverse, with a White population of about 60-65% in recent years. The village's slow diversification might reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in rural and suburban areas, albeit at a much slower pace.
Based on the observed trends, Watson is likely to remain a "Low Diversity" community in the near future, but may slowly transition towards a "Moderate Diversity" category over the long term. The increasing Hispanic population and the presence of multiracial residents suggest a gradual diversification.
Economically, if the village can reverse its recent population decline and maintain its overall upward income trend, it may attract more diverse residents seeking economic opportunities. However, this process is likely to be slow and may depend on broader regional economic factors.
Watson represents a stable, predominantly White community showing early signs of diversification and economic growth. While changes are subtle, they align with broader national trends of increasing diversity, even in traditionally homogeneous areas. The community's ability to balance its economic growth with population retention and attraction will be crucial in shaping its future demographic and economic landscape.
