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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 27812: Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 27812 in Bethel, North Carolina, presents a distinct demographic profile as of 2022. It is classified as a "Black Plurality" community, with African Americans comprising 51% of the population and White residents making up 44%. The median income is $59,856, indicating a moderately diverse community with improving economic conditions.
Bethel has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. In 2013, the community was classified as "Black Majority" with 52% African American population. By 2022, it transitioned to a "Black Plurality" status, signifying a shift towards increased diversity. The White population fluctuated, reaching a low of 36% in 2020 before increasing to 44% in 2022. This trend suggests a "Transitional Community" status.
The Hispanic population, although small, has grown from 0% in 2013 to 1% in 2022, contributing to the area's increasing diversity. The emergence of a "Two or More Races" category (4% in 2022) that was not present or negligible in earlier years indicates increasing racial complexity within the community.
The economic trajectory of Bethel shows a positive trend correlating with its demographic changes. The median income has risen from $35,682 in 2013 to $59,856 in 2022, representing a 67.7% increase over nine years. This economic improvement coincides with the shift towards greater racial diversity.
The population has fluctuated, peaking at 2,586 in 2015 before declining to 2,009 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with rising median incomes, may suggest a complex interplay of factors such as outmigration of lower-income residents, influx of higher-earning individuals, or economic improvements benefiting long-term residents.
The trends observed in Bethel reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in smaller towns and rural areas. The significant increase in median income outpaces national averages for the same period, suggesting that Bethel may be experiencing more rapid economic growth than many similar communities.
The transition from a "Black Majority" to a more balanced "Black Plurality" with a growing White population and emerging multiracial category indicates changing settlement patterns and possibly increased integration within the community.
Bethel presents a case study of a community in transition, both demographically and economically. The shift towards greater diversity, coupled with substantial income growth, suggests a dynamic local environment that may be attracting a more varied population while simultaneously improving economic opportunities for existing residents. These changes are likely to have significant impacts on local culture, community dynamics, and future development trajectories for the area.
