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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 45384: A Black Majority Community in Wilberforce, Ohio
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 45384 in Wilberforce, Ohio, is classified as a "Black Majority" community as of 2022. The population is 58% Black, indicating a clear racial majority. The median income in 2022 was $86,284, suggesting a relatively affluent community compared to the national median household income.
Over the past decade, Wilberforce has maintained its status as a "Black Majority" community. The Black population percentage has fluctuated, reaching 67% in 2014 and dropping to 52% in 2016, before stabilizing around 58-63% in recent years. The White population increased slightly from 26% in 2019 to 33% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 1% in 2013 to 8% in 2019, then declined to 4% in 2022.
The economic landscape of Wilberforce has changed significantly over the past decade. Median income peaked at $129,687 in 2013-2014, then declined steadily until 2019, reaching $78,794. A slight recovery occurred in 2020-2022, with median income stabilizing around $86,000. The population grew from 118 in 2010 to 242 in 2022, more than doubling despite fluctuations in median income.
The correlation between demographic shifts and economic trends is notable. The period of highest median income (2013-2015) coincided with the highest percentage of Black residents (64-67%). The diversification of the community, particularly the increase in White and Hispanic populations from 2016 onwards, occurred alongside a decline in median income. The recent stabilization of both racial composition and median income suggests a new equilibrium may be forming in the community.
The median income in Wilberforce, even at its recent lower levels, remains above the national average, indicating a relatively affluent area. The strong Black majority in this zip code is atypical for Ohio as a whole, where the Black population is typically around 13%. This suggests Wilberforce may be part of a historically Black community or associated with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The population growth in this small area (0.39 square miles) is significant and counters many trends of population decline seen in parts of the Midwest.
Wilberforce presents a case of a small, predominantly Black community that has maintained its racial majority status while experiencing economic fluctuations and gradual diversification. The area's ability to attract new residents despite income variations suggests other factors, possibly educational or cultural, play a significant role in its demographic composition and appeal.
