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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 12561: Racial Composition Changes from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 12561 in New Paltz, New York, is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The area has a population of 18,519 and a median income of $68,690. The white population remains the largest racial group at 73%, with other racial groups showing a noticeable presence, indicating a trend towards increased diversity over the past decade.
The community has maintained a "White Majority" status from 2013 to 2022. However, there is a clear trend towards increased diversity. The white population decreased from 83% in 2013 to 73% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 8% to 12%. The Black population increased from 2% to 5%. The "Two or More Races" category grew from 2% to 5%. These changes suggest that New Paltz is becoming a "Transitional Community." By 2022, the community could be classified as having "Moderate Diversity," with three racial groups (White, Hispanic, and Black) each representing over 5% of the population.
The median income has shown volatility over the years. It increased from $67,915 in 2013 to a peak of $77,255 in 2021. However, it dropped to $68,690 in 2022, nearly returning to its 2013 level. The population has remained relatively stable, growing slightly from 18,249 in 2013 to 18,519 in 2022, a 1.5% increase over a decade.
The period of increasing diversity (2013-2021) generally coincided with rising median incomes, suggesting that increased diversity may have contributed to economic growth. The sharp decline in median income from 2021 to 2022 might be attributed to broader economic factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, rather than demographic shifts. The relatively stable population despite increasing diversity suggests that the community is attracting new residents from diverse backgrounds while maintaining its overall size.
The trends observed in New Paltz align with broader national patterns. Many U.S. communities have experienced increasing racial and ethnic diversity over the past decade, particularly in suburban and small urban areas. The fluctuations in median income, especially the recent decline, mirror national economic trends influenced by factors such as the pandemic and subsequent economic recovery efforts. The stable population with increasing diversity might reflect a national trend of diverse populations moving to smaller cities and suburban areas, seeking a balance of affordability and quality of life.
New Paltz (zip code 12561) is undergoing a gradual but significant demographic transition, moving from a predominantly white community to one with increasing racial and ethnic diversity. This shift, coupled with economic fluctuations, presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and economic development in the coming years.
