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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 12308: Racial Composition and Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 12308 in Schenectady, New York, is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The population is 13,825 with a median income of $59,913. Whites constitute 61% of the population, while Black residents comprise 16% and Hispanic residents 12%.
Over the past decade, this zip code has transitioned from "Low Diversity" with a 69% white majority in 2013 to a more diverse community in 2022. The area shows characteristics of a "Transitional Community," with growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations. The Hispanic population increased from 9% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, and those identifying as two or more races doubled from 2% to 4%. The Black population remained relatively stable between 13% and 17%, while the Asian population grew modestly from 3% to 5%.
The median income in this zip code increased from $58,208 in 2013 to $59,913 in 2022, representing a slight decrease when adjusted for inflation. The period of greatest racial diversification (2015-2017) coincided with a temporary decrease in median income, which fell to $54,883 in 2016 before recovering. This suggests possible economic challenges during the demographic transition, potentially due to changing job markets or shifts in local industries.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between approximately 13,000 and 14,300 residents. This stability, combined with the gradual increase in diversity, indicates a slow but steady demographic shift rather than rapid change.
The demographic shifts observed in this Schenectady zip code align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. Many communities across the United States have experienced growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations over the past decade.
The modest income growth in this zip code, when compared to national trends, suggests potential economic challenges. While the national median household income grew more substantially over this period, the relatively flat income trajectory in this zip code could indicate local economic factors, such as changes in the job market or cost of living increases outpacing wage growth.
Zip code 12308 in Schenectady represents a community in transition, moving from low diversity to moderate diversity while maintaining a white majority. The gradual nature of these changes, coupled with relatively stable population and income levels, suggests a community undergoing steady demographic evolution rather than rapid upheaval. Future monitoring of these demographic shifts and their interaction with local economic conditions and community dynamics will be important.
