Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 15444: Transition from Low Diversity to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Zip code 15444 in Hiller, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The community has a population of 169 and a median income of $88,748. Notable demographic and economic changes have occurred in this area over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2018, the area maintained a "Low Diversity" status with a "White Majority" (96-99% white). Beginning in 2019, a gradual shift towards becoming a "Transitional Community" was observed. The percentage of white residents decreased from 99% in 2018 to 80% in 2022, while black and Hispanic populations increased.
The transition is evident in the last two years of data: In 2021, the population was 85% white, 6% black, and 7% Hispanic. In 2022, it was 80% white, 8% black, 9% Hispanic, and 1% two or more races. These changes suggest a trend towards increasing diversity, potentially moving towards "Moderate Diversity" if the trend continues.
The median income has fluctuated significantly over the years, showing no clear correlation with the demographic shifts. From 2013 to 2019, it remained relatively stable, ranging from $65,543 to $70,911. In 2020, there was a sharp increase to $93,218, followed by a dramatic drop to $56,504 in 2021. In 2022, it rebounded to $88,748. The most diverse year (2022) coincides with one of the highest median incomes, suggesting that increased diversity has not negatively impacted economic prosperity in this community.
Population trends show a decline from 172 residents in 2013 to 96 residents in 2019, followed by an increase to 169 residents in 2022. This recent population growth aligns with the increasing diversity, potentially indicating that the area is becoming more attractive to a wider range of residents.
The demographic shifts in this zip code reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in many communities. The scale and speed of change in this small community are notable, with a 19 percentage point decrease in the white population over just four years (2018-2022). The economic volatility, particularly the sharp rise and fall in median income between 2020 and 2021, may be related to broader economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent recovery in 2022 suggests resilience in the local economy.
Zip code 15444 in Hiller, Pennsylvania, is undergoing a significant transition from a highly homogeneous "Low Diversity" community to one showing signs of increasing diversity. While still maintaining a "White Majority," the area is evolving into a "Transitional Community." These demographic changes, coupled with recent population growth and a rebounding median income, suggest a dynamic period of change for this small community. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these trends continue, potentially leading to a more diverse and economically robust local area.
