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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 52214: Predominant White Population and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 52214 in Central City, Iowa, exhibits low racial diversity as of 2022. The population is 98% white, with minimal representation from other racial groups. The median income in 2022 was $72,639, indicating relative prosperity compared to national figures.
Over the past decade, Central City has maintained its low diversity status. The white population has consistently remained above 95% from 2013 to 2022, with only minor fluctuations. No significant transitions between diversity categories have occurred during this period.
Minor changes within the low diversity framework include the emergence of a small Hispanic population (about 1%) around 2017, fluctuations in the Asian population between 0% and 1%, and a slight increase in the "Two or More Races" category, reaching 1% in recent years. These shifts suggest a very gradual trend towards increased diversity, though not sufficient to alter the community's overall categorization.
The median income in Central City has shown a significant upward trend over the past decade. In 2013, the median income was $51,532. By 2022, it had increased to $72,639, representing a 41% rise over nine years. The peak was observed in 2021 at $78,672. This substantial income growth suggests economic prosperity and potentially increased attractiveness of the area to residents. However, this economic growth has not been accompanied by significant demographic changes, indicating that the increased prosperity has primarily benefited the existing population.
Population trends show some fluctuation. The population peaked in 2017 at 3,426. Since then, there has been a gradual decline to 2,844 in 2022. This recent population decline, despite rising incomes, could suggest various factors at play, such as an aging population, outmigration of younger residents, or changes in local industry.
The persistent low diversity in Central City contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many areas of the United States. The significant income growth in Central City outpaces national averages, suggesting a particularly strong local economy or specific industries driving prosperity. The recent population decline, despite rising incomes, could be part of a broader trend of rural or small-town population loss seen in many parts of the Midwest.
Central City presents a case of a community maintaining low diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. The stability in racial composition, coupled with rising incomes, suggests a community that has found economic success without significant demographic change. However, the recent population decline raises questions about long-term sustainability and the potential need for strategies to attract or retain residents to maintain the community's vitality.
