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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 18640: White Majority and Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 18640 in Pittston, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has a population of 17,249 and a median income of $50,290. The community has shown signs of gradual demographic shifts over the past decade, indicating a slow transition towards increased diversity.
From 2013 to 2022, Pittston has maintained a "White Majority" status, with the white population comprising over 75% of the total. The white population percentage has decreased from 96% in 2013 to 88% in 2022. This gradual decline suggests the community may be in the early stages of becoming a "Transitional Community".
The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The Black population has also risen from less than 1% to 4% during this period. The Asian population and those identifying as two or more races have seen modest increases as well. These changes indicate a slow but steady diversification of the community.
The median income in Pittston has fluctuated over the years, showing no clear trend. In 2013, the median income was $49,678, and by 2022 it had slightly increased to $50,290. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $54,813, while the lowest was in 2016 at $47,069.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 17,200 and 17,600 residents over the ten-year period. This stability in population, combined with the gradual demographic shifts, suggests that the changes are likely due to a combination of natural population changes and small-scale in-migration of diverse groups.
Pittston remains significantly less diverse than many urban areas in the United States. The slow pace of change is not uncommon for smaller cities or suburban areas, especially in regions that have historically been predominantly white.
The modest income growth in Pittston over the past decade is consistent with broader trends seen in many small to medium-sized American cities, where economic recovery and growth post-2008 recession have been slower compared to larger metropolitan areas.
The gradual increase in Hispanic and Black populations aligns with national trends of increasing diversity, though at a much slower rate than seen in many urban centers or rapidly growing suburban areas. This suggests that while Pittston is experiencing demographic changes, it is doing so at a pace that allows for gradual community adaptation rather than rapid transformation.
In conclusion, while Pittston remains a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "White Majority," there are clear indications of a slow transition towards greater diversity. This change, coupled with fluctuating but generally stable economic indicators, suggests a community in the early stages of demographic evolution.
