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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 15147: A Study of Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 15147 in Plum, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "Racial Majority" of white residents as of 2022. The area has a population of 19,064 and a median income of $54,506. The white population comprises 70% of the residents, indicating a predominantly white community. However, there are indications of gradual diversification over the past decade.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, the community has maintained a "Low Diversity" classification, with the white population consistently above 68% each year. Despite this, there is evidence of a slow transition towards increased diversity. The white population decreased from 75% in 2013 to 70% in 2022, while the black population increased from 20% in 2013 to 24% in 2022. Additionally, the population identifying as two or more races grew from 0% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
The consistent growth in the black population and those identifying as two or more races suggests the area is becoming a "Transitional Community," albeit at a slow pace. The median income has shown notable fluctuations, increasing from $50,065 in 2013 to a peak of $57,802 in 2016, then declining to $54,060 in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, before rebounding slightly to $54,506 in 2022.
The period of highest income (2015-2017) coincided with the start of noticeable increases in racial diversity. The slight income decline from 2017 to 2022 occurred alongside continued diversification, suggesting that increased diversity has not negatively impacted overall economic conditions. Despite minor fluctuations, the overall population has remained relatively stable (19,503 in 2010 to 19,064 in 2022), indicating that demographic changes are likely due to shifts within the existing community rather than significant in-migration or out-migration.
The community's gradual diversification aligns with broader national trends of increasing racial diversity in suburban areas. The median income of $54,506 in 2022 is below the national median household income (approximately $70,784 in 2021), suggesting a middle-class suburban community. The stable population amid increasing diversity indicates that Plum is experiencing internal demographic shifts rather than rapid gentrification or white flight seen in some urban areas.
In conclusion, Plum remains a predominantly white, low-diversity community, but shows signs of gradual transition towards greater racial diversity. This change has occurred alongside relatively stable economic conditions, suggesting a measured and potentially sustainable path towards increased diversity. The community's evolution reflects broader national trends of suburban diversification, albeit at a slower pace than some more rapidly changing urban areas.
