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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 07718: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 07718 in Belford, New Jersey, is classified as a "White Majority" area with "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The racial composition indicates an 86% white population, exceeding the 75% threshold for low diversity. The median income of $133,544 in 2022 suggests an affluent community, significantly above the national average.
Over the past decade, Belford has maintained its status as a "White Majority" area with "Low Diversity." The white population has remained dominant, fluctuating between 84% and 90% from 2013 to 2022. There have been subtle shifts towards increased diversity. The Hispanic population increased from 8% in 2013 to 9% in 2022, peaking at 10% in 2016 and 2021. The Asian population grew from negligible levels in 2013 to 2% by 2022, with a peak of 3% in 2017-2018 and 2020. The population identifying as Two or More Races increased from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, showing a gradual upward trend.
The median income in Belford has shown significant growth over the decade. In 2013, it was $115,264, and by 2022, it reached $133,544. This represents a 15.9% increase over nine years, outpacing inflation and indicating growing affluence in the community. There was a substantial increase in median income from 2019 ($126,272) to 2021 ($140,846), possibly reflecting economic shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The population has remained relatively stable, growing from 6,422 in 2013 to 6,533 in 2022, a modest 1.7% increase.
The demographic composition of Belford contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While the United States as a whole has been moving towards becoming a "Majority-Minority" nation, Belford has retained its "White Majority" status with only incremental changes in diversity.
The income growth in Belford is notable, especially considering the national context of wage stagnation for many Americans. The median household income in the U.S. was around $69,021 in 2022, making Belford's median income of $133,544 nearly twice the national average.
This combination of high income and low diversity suggests that Belford may be experiencing what some sociologists term "opportunity hoarding," where affluent, predominantly white communities maintain advantages in wealth, education, and quality of life. The slow increase in diversity, particularly among Hispanic and Asian populations, might indicate a gradual opening of the community to a broader demographic, possibly driven by economic opportunities or changing social dynamics.
In conclusion, while Belford shows signs of incremental diversification and significant economic growth, it remains a predominantly white, affluent area with low overall diversity. The community's evolution over the past decade suggests a pattern of stable prosperity with minimal demographic change, contrasting with more rapid diversification trends seen in many other parts of the United States.
