Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 32435: Decreasing Diversity and Increasing White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
The zip code 32435 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The racial composition indicates that 83% of the population identifies as white, surpassing the 75% threshold for low diversity. The median income for 2022 was $47,640, and the population was 6,444.
Over the past decade, this zip code has maintained its status as a "White Majority" area. From 2013 to 2017, the community exhibited "Moderate Diversity," with the white population ranging from 70-80% and notable black (8-13%) and Hispanic (3-7%) populations. From 2018 onwards, there was a shift to "Low Diversity" as the white population consistently exceeded 80%, reaching as high as 87% in 2020 and 2021.
The community has displayed characteristics of a "Transitional Community," but in an unexpected direction. Rather than increasing diversity, it has become less diverse over time, with decreases in black and Hispanic populations and increases in the white population.
The median income has demonstrated overall growth from $39,216 in 2013 to $47,640 in 2022, an increase of approximately 21.5% over the decade. This growth has not been consistent. A significant increase in median income occurred from 2015 to 2016 (from $42,320 to $47,310), coinciding with a slight increase in diversity. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $52,205, corresponding with one of the years of lowest diversity (87% white population). The population has fluctuated over the years but has generally decreased from 7,073 in 2010 to 6,444 in 2022, a decline of about 8.9%.
This zip code has shown a trend contrary to national movements towards increasing diversity. This could indicate several factors: possible out-migration of minority populations, perhaps due to economic opportunities elsewhere; in-migration of white residents, potentially retirees or those seeking a less urban environment; and the increase in median income, despite the decrease in population, suggests that those remaining or moving in may have higher incomes, potentially altering the economic landscape of the area.
The trend towards less diversity in DeFuniak Springs (zip code 32435) contrasts with many urban and suburban areas across the U.S., which have generally become more diverse over the past decade. While the area has experienced economic growth, it has simultaneously undergone a demographic shift towards less diversity. This distinct trend may have implications for local policies, community dynamics, and future development plans in the area.
