Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 60474: Persistent Low Diversity and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 60474, which includes South Wilmington in Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low population density and a predominantly white community. As of 2022, the area is classified as "Low Diversity" with 94% of the population identified as white. The median income in 2022 was $83,087, indicating a relatively affluent small community.
From 2013 to 2022, South Wilmington maintained a "Low Diversity" categorization. The white population remained above 90% throughout this period, with minor fluctuations. A slight increase in diversity occurred from 2013 to 2022, with the white population decreasing from 94% to 91% between 2013-2018, rising to 100% in 2019-2021, and returning to 94% in 2022. These changes are minimal given the small population size and do not represent a significant shift in the community's racial composition.
The median income in South Wilmington demonstrated an upward trend, increasing from $58,332 in 2013 to $83,087 in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 42% over nine years. This substantial income growth suggests an improving economic situation for the residents. The population remained relatively stable during this period, fluctuating between 16 and 23 individuals, with no clear trend of growth or decline.
The lack of significant demographic shifts coupled with strong income growth suggests that the existing community experienced economic improvements without attracting a more diverse population. This could be due to factors such as limited housing availability, the rural nature of the area, or specific local economic conditions favoring existing residents.
South Wilmington appears to be an outlier compared to national trends of increasing racial diversity, particularly in urban and suburban settings. Its persistent low diversity and small population size suggest it may be a rural or isolated community that has not experienced the demographic changes seen in more populous areas.
The income growth in this zip code outpaces the national average, which saw median household income increase by about 10% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation). This suggests that South Wilmington experienced more robust economic growth than many other parts of the country during this period.
With a small population, individual changes can have outsized effects on overall statistics. The extremely low population density (about 50 people per square mile, compared to the U.S. average of about 94) indicates this is a very rural area, which may explain its demographic stability and economic growth patterns that differ from national trends towards urbanization and increasing diversity.
In conclusion, South Wilmington maintained its status as a low-diversity community over the past decade while simultaneously experiencing significant economic improvement. This combination of demographic stability and economic growth sets it apart from broader national trends and may offer insights into the dynamics of small, rural communities in the United States.
