Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 45896: Persistent White Majority and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 45896, encompassing Waynesfield in Ohio, presents as a Low Diversity community with a clear White Majority. As of 2022, the area has a population of 1,882 and a median household income of $71,691. This rural community, spanning 41.64 square miles, has maintained a relatively homogeneous racial composition over the past decade, with some subtle shifts in its economic landscape.
Throughout the 2013-2022 period, Waynesfield has consistently maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community. The white population has remained above 90% throughout this period, with only minor fluctuations. There has been a slight increase in diversity, with the white population decreasing from 97% in 2013 to 96% in 2022, but this change is minimal and does not signify a transition to a different diversity category.
The Hispanic population has shown some variability, peaking at 4% in 2016 but settling at 1% by 2022. The emergence of a small Black population (1%) and an increase in the two or more races category (2%) in 2022 suggests a very gradual trend towards slightly increased diversity, though still within the Low Diversity classification.
The median household income in Waynesfield has shown an upward trend over the past decade. From $57,745 in 2013, it has risen to $71,691 in 2022, representing a 24% increase. This growth in median income has occurred despite minor fluctuations in the population, which has remained relatively stable around 2,000 residents.
The most substantial income growth occurred between 2019 and 2021, with the median income increasing from $64,095 to $73,994, a 15.4% increase in two years. This period coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that the local economy may have been resilient or benefited from broader economic shifts during this time.
The demographic composition of Waynesfield contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban and suburban areas across the United States have seen significant increases in racial and ethnic diversity over the past decade, this rural Ohio community has maintained a highly homogeneous population.
The income growth in Waynesfield aligns with broader trends of economic recovery and growth following the 2008 recession and through the COVID-19 pandemic. The median household income increase of 24% over the decade outpaces the national inflation rate for the same period, suggesting real economic gains for the community.
The stability of the population, hovering around 2,000 residents, indicates that Waynesfield has neither experienced significant outmigration nor attracted a large influx of new residents. This stability, combined with rising incomes, could suggest a strengthening local economy that benefits long-term residents rather than drawing in new populations that might increase diversity.
In conclusion, while Waynesfield has seen notable economic improvements over the past decade, its demographic composition has remained largely unchanged. The community remains a Low Diversity, White Majority area, with only the slightest indications of increasing diversity towards the end of the observed period. The economic gains, particularly in the latter part of the decade, have not yet translated into significant demographic shifts, maintaining the area's rural, homogeneous character.
