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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 21660: A White Majority Community with Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 21660 in Ridgely, Maryland, is classified as a "White Majority" community with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The white population comprises 70% of the total, while Black (16%) and Hispanic (8%) populations have significant representation. The current median income is $64,752, and the population is 4,028, indicating a moderately prosperous small town.
Over the past decade, Ridgely has maintained its "White Majority" status while showing signs of increasing diversity. The white population percentage has decreased from 75% in 2013 to 70% in 2022, while Hispanic representation has doubled from 4% to 8%. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 14% and 22% over the years. The Asian population, though small, has shown a consistent presence since 2017.
The median income in Ridgely has shown volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, it increased from $62,441 to $64,752, a growth of about 3.7%. This period saw significant fluctuations, with a drop to $50,508 in 2016 followed by a recovery and peak of $74,830 in 2021. These economic shifts appear to correlate with demographic changes, with the period of lowest median income coinciding with a slight increase in minority populations.
The demographic shifts in Ridgely reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in small towns and rural areas. The growth in the Hispanic population aligns with national patterns of Hispanic population growth and dispersion beyond traditional urban centers.
The economic fluctuations in Ridgely may be indicative of broader economic challenges faced by small towns in the post-2008 recession era. The recent upward trend in median income, despite increased diversity, could suggest that Ridgely has integrated new populations into its economic fabric.
Ridgely remains a "White Majority" community but shows signs of gradual transition towards greater diversity. This demographic evolution, coupled with economic resilience as evidenced by recovering median incomes, suggests a community adapting to changing social and economic landscapes. The town's ability to maintain economic stability while becoming more diverse could serve as a case study for similar small towns facing demographic changes across the United States.
