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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 08242: White Majority with Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 08242 in Rio Grande, New Jersey, is classified as a "White Majority" area with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 69% of the total, with Hispanic (17%) and Black (8%) minorities. The median income of $72,252 in 2022 indicates a middle-class suburban community. This current demographic composition results from significant shifts over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2018, the area experienced a significant transition. The white population decreased from 92% to 61%, while the Hispanic population increased from 3% to 34%. This rapid change suggests a "Transitional Community" during this period. Post-2018, the community stabilized into a "Moderate Diversity" classification. The white population remained the majority but at a lower percentage (around 70%), with Hispanic and Black populations forming significant minorities.
The "Two or More Races" category grew from 0% in 2016 to 5% in 2022, indicating an increasing acceptance of multi-racial identities. The median income grew from $61,395 in 2013 to $72,252 in 2022, an increase of about 18% over nine years. This growth outpaced inflation, suggesting real economic improvement.
The population increased from 3,100 in 2013 to 4,531 in 2022, a significant 46% growth. This could indicate the area's increasing attractiveness, possibly due to its growing diversity and economic opportunities. As the area became more diverse, median income generally increased. This suggests that the influx of diverse populations may have contributed to economic growth, possibly bringing new skills and businesses to the area.
This demographic shift aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The growth in Hispanic population reflects nationwide demographic changes. The steady income growth amidst increasing diversity challenges stereotypes about diversity negatively impacting community wealth. The population growth of 46% over nine years is particularly notable and likely exceeds both state and national averages for similar periods. This rapid growth could be placing pressure on local infrastructure and services, potentially leading to both challenges and opportunities for community development.
Zip code 08242 has transformed from a predominantly white area to a moderately diverse, growing community over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by steady economic growth, suggesting a dynamic and evolving local economy. The area's ability to maintain income growth while becoming more diverse could make it an interesting case study in successful community integration and economic development.
