Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 18508 in Scranton: A White Majority Area with Emerging Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
The zip code 18508 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "White Majority" community with "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The area has a population of 11,527 and a median income of $40,177. The white population comprises 76% of the total, exceeding the 75% threshold for low diversity.
Over the past decade, this zip code has experienced subtle changes in its racial composition. The area has maintained a "White Majority" status from 2013 to 2022, with a slight decrease in the white population percentage from 80% to 76%. The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 10% in 2013 to 15% in 2022. This trend indicates a gradual shift towards increased diversity.
The Black population has fluctuated between 2% and 6% over the years, reaching 6% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has grown from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, suggesting an increasing acknowledgment of multiracial identities. These changes indicate that while the area remains predominantly white, it shows signs of becoming a "Transitional Community."
The median income in the zip code has shown overall growth with fluctuations. It increased from $38,252 in 2013 to $40,177 in 2022, representing a 5% increase over nine years. The median income peaked at $43,487 in 2021 before declining in 2022. This modest income growth appears to coincide with the slow increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population.
The rate of diversification in this zip code appears slower than national trends, which have shown more rapid increases in diversity in many urban areas over the past decade. The modest income growth of 5% over nine years is likely below the national average. The increase in the Hispanic population aligns with broader national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various parts of the country.
In conclusion, the 18508 zip code in Scranton remains predominantly white with low diversity but shows signs of gradual demographic shifts, particularly in its Hispanic population. These changes, coupled with modest economic growth, suggest a community in slow transition. The area may be on a path towards greater diversity in the coming years.
