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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 34471: Transition from Low Diversity to White Majority with Increasing Hispanic Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 34471 in Ocala, Florida, is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 67% of residents, with Hispanic (16%) and Black (11%) populations forming significant minorities. The median income of $60,257 in 2022 indicates a middle-class suburban area. These demographics result from notable shifts over the past decade.
The area has been transitioning from a "Low Diversity" community to a more diverse one. In 2013, the white population made up 74% of residents, nearly qualifying as "Low Diversity". By 2022, this percentage decreased to 67%, indicating increased racial diversity. The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 11% in 2013 to 16% in 2022. This trend suggests the area is becoming more attractive to Hispanic residents.
The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 10-16% over the decade. Asian and Multiracial communities, though still small, have shown steady growth from 1% each in 2013 to 3% each in 2022, further contributing to the area's increasing diversity.
The median income has fluctuated significantly over the decade. It peaked at $71,876 in 2021 before dropping to $60,257 in 2022. Despite fluctuations, there has been a general upward trend in median income from $59,525 in 2013 to $60,257 in 2022, representing a modest 1.2% increase over nine years. The population has grown from 24,335 in 2013 to 26,961 in 2022, a 10.8% increase.
The demographic shifts in this zip code reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. The growth in Hispanic population aligns with national patterns. The income fluctuations, particularly between 2021 and 2022, may be related to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts.
The modest overall income growth of 1.2% over nine years is below the rate of inflation, suggesting that residents' purchasing power may have decreased despite nominal income increases. This trend is consistent with many middle-class communities across the country that have struggled with wage stagnation relative to living costs.
Zip code 34471 in Ocala, Florida, is evolving from a predominantly white, low-diversity area into a more diverse, transitional community. While facing economic challenges, it continues to attract new residents, particularly from Hispanic backgrounds. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and economic development in the coming years.
