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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 17934: A Predominantly White Community with Recent Racial Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 17934 in Gilberton, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "White Majority" area with "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The community has a population of 233 and a median income of $43,932. This small, predominantly white community has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
Throughout the 2010s, Gilberton maintained its status as a "White Majority" area with "Low Diversity." The white population remained above 95% from 2013 to 2021. In 2022, there was a shift towards increased diversity, with the white population decreasing to 87% and the Hispanic population increasing to 10%. This change suggests the beginning of a potential "Transitional Community" status.
The median income in Gilberton has fluctuated significantly over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, it remained relatively stable, ranging from $38,066 to $46,600. In 2020 and 2021, there was a dramatic increase in median income, reaching $72,813 and $80,735 respectively. This coincided with a sharp decline in population, from 339 in 2019 to 279 in 2020, and further down to 229 in 2021. The most recent data for 2022 shows a return to previous income levels at $43,932, with a slight increase in population to 233.
These economic shifts correlate with the demographic changes. The period of highest income (2020-2021) coincided with the lowest population and highest percentage of white residents (99%). The slight increase in diversity in 2022 corresponded with a return to lower income levels, more in line with the area's historical average.
The demographic makeup of Gilberton contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While the U.S. as a whole has been moving towards a "Majority-Minority" status, Gilberton has maintained its "White Majority" classification, only recently showing signs of potential diversification.
The economic volatility experienced in Gilberton, particularly the sharp income increase in 2020-2021 followed by a decline, is unusual and may reflect localized factors rather than broader regional or national trends. This could be related to changes in local industry, outmigration of lower-income residents, or other specific local events.
The recent increase in Hispanic population, while still small, aligns with broader national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various parts of the country, including in traditionally less diverse areas.
Gilberton has maintained its status as a predominantly white, low-diversity area, but recent data suggests the potential for demographic changes. The economic fluctuations, particularly the dramatic rise and fall in median income, coupled with population decline, indicate a community in flux. These changes may signal the beginning of broader shifts in the community's composition and economic structure, warranting close observation in the coming years to determine if Gilberton is indeed transitioning towards a more diverse and economically different future.
