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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 61516: Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 61516 in Benson, Illinois, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community as of 2022. The population is 93% white, exceeding the 75% threshold for this classification. The community has a population of 946 and a median income of $68,950, indicating a small, predominantly white community with above-average income compared to national figures.
Over the past decade, Benson has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The white population decreased from 97% in 2014 to 93% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. The black population and those identifying as two or more races remained at or below 1% throughout the decade. These changes suggest the early stages of a potential transition to increased diversity.
The median income in Benson increased from $59,909 in 2013 to $68,950 in 2022, a 15% increase. A peak of $72,732 was observed in 2021, followed by a slight decrease in 2022. This economic growth coincided with subtle demographic shifts, suggesting that the slight increase in diversity did not negatively impact the community's economic standing.
Population figures fluctuated over the decade. The population peaked at 1,008 in 2012-2013 and reached a low of 928 in 2021. The 2022 population of 946 represents a slight recovery from the 2021 low but remains below peak levels from earlier in the decade. These population changes do not show a clear correlation with demographic or economic shifts, suggesting other factors may influence population dynamics.
The minimal increase in diversity in Benson contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many areas of the United States. The median income growth in Benson likely outpaces national averages. The predominantly white demographic makeup of Benson is not uncommon for small, rural Midwestern communities, which often have less diversity compared to urban areas or coastal regions.
Benson remains a "Low Diversity" community, with early indications of slow demographic changes. These shifts have occurred alongside overall positive economic trends, suggesting a stable community that may be in the early stages of a longer-term transition towards increased diversity. The pace of change is slow, and it would likely take many more years of consistent trends for the community to shift into a different diversity category.
