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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 61279 in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois, exhibits low diversity as of 2022. The population is 98% white, with a median income of $71,662, which exceeds the national median. The community has 884 residents spread across 38.22 square miles.
Over the past decade, Buffalo Prairie has maintained its low diversity status. The white population has consistently remained above 93%. Minor fluctuations occurred in other racial categories, with the Hispanic population reaching 2% in 2018-2019 and those identifying as two or more races peaking at 2% in 2020. The community has not transitioned between diversity categories, remaining firmly in the low diversity classification.
The median income in Buffalo Prairie has shown an upward trend, increasing from $63,082 in 2013 to $71,662 in 2022, representing a 13.6% growth over nine years. The highest median income of $74,425 was recorded in 2021. Concurrently, the population decreased from 1,017 residents in 2010 to 884 in 2022, a 13% reduction.
The inverse relationship between population decline and median income increase suggests that while some residents may have left the area, those who remained experienced economic growth. The stability in racial composition combined with rising incomes indicates that the community has experienced economic improvements without significant demographic changes.
Buffalo Prairie's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. The community's persistent low diversity and high percentage of white residents is less common in many parts of the United States, particularly in urban and suburban areas. The increase in median income aligns with national trends of economic recovery and growth following the 2008 recession. However, the population decline is atypical for areas experiencing income growth.
Buffalo Prairie presents a stable, predominantly white community that has maintained its demographic composition while experiencing modest economic growth over the past decade. The community has resisted the national trend towards increasing diversity, maintaining its character as a low-diversity area with a strong white majority. This stability in racial composition, combined with rising incomes and a declining population, suggests a community that may be aging in place, with long-term residents experiencing improved economic conditions without significant influx of new, diverse populations.