Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 18104: Increasing Racial Diversity from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 18104 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is categorized as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The area has a population of 49,578 and a median income of $79,478. The white population constitutes 66%, with Hispanic (16%), Asian (8%), and Black (6%) residents representing notable minority groups, indicating a trend towards increasing diversity.
Over the past decade, this zip code has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to one with "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the area was characterized by a strong "White Majority" (81%). By 2022, while still maintaining a "White Majority," the community experienced significant changes: the white population decreased from 81% to 66%, the Hispanic population increased from 8% to 16%, the Asian population grew from 5% to 8%, and the Black population increased from 3% to 6%. This shift suggests a "Transitional Community" status.
The demographic changes have occurred alongside modest economic growth. The median income increased from $77,548 in 2013 to $79,478 in 2022, representing a 2.5% growth over a decade. This relatively slow income growth, compared to the more rapid demographic shifts, suggests that the area may be attracting a diverse range of new residents across various income levels, economic opportunities may be expanding to accommodate a more diverse workforce, and the community might be experiencing some economic challenges as it adapts to changing demographics.
The population growth from 44,876 in 2013 to 49,578 in 2022 (a 10.5% increase) further supports the idea of the area becoming more attractive to a diverse range of residents.
These trends align with broader patterns observed in many American suburbs and small cities: increasing diversity in traditionally white-majority areas, growth of Hispanic and Asian populations in particular, and moderate economic growth that may not keep pace with demographic changes. This transition reflects a nationwide trend of increasing diversity in suburban areas, often driven by factors such as migration from urban centers, changing preferences among younger, more diverse generations, and economic opportunities attracting a wider range of residents.
The relatively stable median income suggests that this demographic shift is not primarily driven by gentrification, but rather by a more organic diversification of the community. Zip code 18104 in Allentown is undergoing a significant demographic transition, moving from a low-diversity, white-majority area to a more diverse community. While still maintaining a white majority, the increasing representation of Hispanic, Asian, and Black residents indicates a trend towards greater diversity. This shift, coupled with modest economic growth, suggests a community in transition, likely facing both the challenges and opportunities that come with increasing diversity.
