Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 24551: White Majority and Gradual Diversification
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Zip code 24551 in Forest, Virginia, is categorized as having Low Diversity with a White Majority as of 2022. The area's median household income is $88,954, which is above the national average. The population in 2022 was 25,875, showing steady growth over the past decade.
Forest has maintained its status as a White Majority community over the past decade, but there are indications of a gradual shift towards increased diversity. The white population decreased from 89% in 2013 to 82% in 2022. Minority populations have seen modest increases: the Black population increased from 6% to 7%, the Hispanic population grew from 1% to 4%, the Asian population increased slightly from 1% to 2%, and the Two or More Races category grew from 1% to 4%.
The median household income in Forest has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $79,204 in 2013 to $88,954 in 2022, representing a growth of about 12.3% over nine years. There was a significant spike in median income to $95,503 in 2021, followed by a decrease to $88,954 in 2022. The population has grown steadily from 22,185 in 2013 to 25,875 in 2022, an increase of about 16.6%.
Forest remains less diverse than many urban areas in Virginia and across the United States. The gradual increase in minority populations aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The area's median income is well above the national median, indicating that Forest is a relatively affluent suburb.
The slow pace of diversification in Forest contrasts with more rapid demographic changes seen in many urban and suburban areas across the country. This suggests that while the community is experiencing some transition, it is happening at a more gradual rate than in many other parts of the United States.
Forest remains a predominantly white, affluent area with Low Diversity. There are indications of a slow but steady trend towards greater diversity. This gradual demographic shift, coupled with consistent economic growth, positions the community as a Transitional Community, albeit one where change is occurring at a measured pace. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this trend accelerates or stabilizes, potentially reshaping the community's demographic and economic landscape.
