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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 21610: Predominantly White Population in Betterton, Maryland
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 21610 in Betterton, Maryland, is classified as having Low Diversity as of 2022. The population is predominantly white, with 82% identifying as such. The current median income is $55,071, which is lower than in previous years, suggesting potential economic challenges in the community.
Over the past decade, Betterton has maintained a Low Diversity classification. The white population has consistently accounted for over 75% of the total population. From 2013 to 2017, the community showed potential signs of transitioning towards Moderate Diversity, with the Black population reaching 15-17% and the white population dropping to around 80%. However, by 2018, there was a shift back towards Low Diversity, with the white population increasing to 89% and the Black population decreasing to 5%.
In recent years (2019-2022), while still in the Low Diversity category, there are indications of a slight increase in diversity, with the Black population rising to 10% and small but consistent representations of Asian (1%) and Hispanic (2%) populations.
The median income in Betterton has shown significant fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2015, the median income was relatively high, peaking at $73,031 in 2013. There was a sharp decline from 2016 to 2017, with the median income dropping to $58,386. Since 2018, the median income has fluctuated between $55,000 and $62,500, showing a general downward trend.
These economic shifts correlate with the demographic changes. The period of higher diversity (2013-2017) coincided with higher median incomes. The shift back to lower diversity from 2018 onwards aligns with a general decrease in median income. Population trends show a gradual decline from 219 in 2015 to 161 in 2022, which could be influencing both the economic and demographic shifts.
The persistent low diversity in Betterton is not uncommon in rural or small-town America. The economic challenges, as evidenced by the declining median income, align with trends seen in many small towns facing economic pressures. The slight increase in diversity in recent years, albeit small, mirrors a national trend of increasing diversity, even in traditionally homogeneous areas.
Betterton remains a Low Diversity community, but there are subtle signs of demographic shifts. These changes, coupled with economic fluctuations, suggest a community in transition, possibly grappling with broader economic and social changes affecting small towns across America. The correlation between periods of slightly higher diversity and higher median incomes could be a point for further investigation into the economic impacts of diversity in small communities.
