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Demographic Analysis of Wawaka, Indiana (ZIP 46794): Predominantly White with Emerging Hispanic Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wawaka, Indiana (ZIP code 46794) is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." The white population comprises 91% of the total as of 2022, with a Hispanic population of 6%. The median income in 2022 was $64,534, below the 2021 peak of $70,792. The population in 2022 was 1,359, showing minimal growth over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Wawaka maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." The white population gradually declined from 98% in 2015 to 91% in 2022. The Hispanic community increased from 2% in 2015 to 6% in 2022. The category "Two or More Races" appeared in 2017, reaching 2% by 2022. These changes indicate a slow transition towards increased diversity.
The median income in Wawaka fluctuated over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, median income increased from $62,662 to $64,534, a 3% growth. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $70,792, followed by a drop in 2022. The period of highest income growth (2013-2016) coincided with the least racial change. As the community began to diversify from 2017 onwards, income levels became more volatile.
Population trends show a decline from 1,521 in 2013 to 1,359 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. This suggests that while the community is becoming slightly more diverse, it is not experiencing significant population growth.
The trends observed in Wawaka align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in rural areas, albeit at a slower pace. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide trend of Hispanic population growth in rural communities.
The income volatility and recent decline could be related to broader economic challenges facing rural America. However, Wawaka's median income remains above the national median for rural areas, suggesting relative economic stability despite recent fluctuations.
Wawaka remains a predominantly white, low-diversity community, but subtle shifts in demographics and economic indicators suggest the beginnings of change. The community appears to be in the early stages of a transition towards greater diversity, primarily driven by Hispanic population growth. These changes may have implications for community dynamics, local services, and economic development strategies in the coming years.
