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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 61259: Predominantly White Population in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 61259 in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has a population of 1,543 and a median income of $77,355. This rural community has maintained a predominantly white population over the past decade, with minimal representation from other racial groups.
Throughout the observed period (2013-2022), Buffalo Prairie has consistently fallen under the "Low Diversity" category, with the white population consistently exceeding 75% of the total. The percentage of white residents has fluctuated slightly, reaching its lowest point of 84% in 2016 and its highest at 98% in 2021-2022. There was a brief period of increased Hispanic representation, peaking at 14% in 2016, which temporarily pushed the community closer to "Moderate Diversity." However, this trend reversed, with the Hispanic population decreasing to just 1% by 2022. The community has seen minimal representation from other racial groups, with Asian, Black, and multiracial populations remaining at or below 1% throughout the decade.
The median income in Buffalo Prairie has shown an overall upward trend, with some fluctuations. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $72,391 to $77,355, representing a 6.9% growth over nine years. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $91,950, followed by a significant drop in 2022. There appears to be a loose correlation between population changes and median income. For instance, the population peak in 2016 (1,642 residents) coincided with a period of relatively high median income ($70,924).
The persistent "Low Diversity" and "White Majority" status of Buffalo Prairie is consistent with many rural American communities that have not experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. The overall increase in median income, while modest, suggests that the community has experienced some economic growth. This trend aligns with broader national patterns of economic recovery and growth following the 2008 recession. The brief increase and subsequent decrease in the Hispanic population could reflect broader trends of rural migration and settlement patterns for Hispanic communities in the Midwest. Unlike many urban and suburban areas that have seen increasing diversity over the past decade, Buffalo Prairie has maintained its homogeneous racial composition, which may be attributed to its rural location and limited economic or cultural pull factors for diverse populations.
Buffalo Prairie represents a stable, predominantly white rural community that has experienced modest economic growth over the past decade. While there were brief moments that hinted at potential diversification, particularly with the Hispanic population, the community has largely maintained its demographic composition. This stability in racial makeup, coupled with gradual income growth, suggests a community that has been relatively insulated from the rapid demographic changes seen in many other parts of the United States during the same period.
