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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 15081: Transition from Low to Moderate Diversity with White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 15081, corresponding to South Heights in Pennsylvania, currently exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 84% of the community, with a small but growing multiracial population at 15%. The median income for 2022 stands at $75,449, reflecting a moderate increase over the past decade.
Over the past decade, South Heights has undergone a subtle but notable transition in its racial composition. While maintaining its status as a White Majority community throughout the period, there's been a gradual shift towards increased diversity. From 2013 to 2019, the area was characterized by extremely Low Diversity, with the white population consistently above 90%. Starting in 2020, there's been a noticeable increase in racial diversity, primarily driven by growth in the multiracial population. This shift moves the community from Low Diversity towards Moderate Diversity, though it hasn't quite reached that threshold yet.
The black population has fluctuated between 1% and 6% over the years, showing no clear trend of growth or decline. The emergence and growth of the multiracial category (from 0% in 2016 to 15% in 2022) suggests a Transitional Community status, indicating a trend towards increasing diversity.
The demographic shifts correlate with notable changes in median income. From 2013 to 2019, as the community remained highly homogeneous, there was a steady increase in median income from $55,689 to $75,105. The period of increased racial diversity (2020-2022) coincides with a slight fluctuation in median income, but overall maintaining the higher level achieved by 2019. Population figures have remained relatively stable throughout the decade, fluctuating between 232 and 261 residents, suggesting that changes in diversity are more likely due to shifting identification or natural demographic changes rather than significant in-migration.
The trends observed in South Heights align with some broader national patterns. The increase in multiracial identification reflects a national trend, particularly noticeable in the 2020 census, where the multiracial population in the U.S. grew significantly. The maintenance of a White Majority in a small, rural borough is consistent with demographic patterns in many similar communities across the United States. The gradual increase in median income over the decade, despite some fluctuations, aligns with general economic growth trends observed nationally before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, while South Heights remains predominantly white, it shows signs of a gradual transition towards greater diversity, primarily through growth in its multiracial population. This shift has occurred alongside overall economic stability and growth, suggesting that the community has maintained its economic footing while becoming slightly more diverse. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this trend towards increased diversity continues or stabilizes.
