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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 61741: Predominantly White Population in Forrest, Illinois
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 61741 in Forrest, Illinois, is categorized as having "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The population is 94% white. The current median income is $71,318, which has decreased slightly from the previous year but shows an overall upward trend over the past decade.
Forrest has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community over the past decade. The white population has consistently remained the majority, never falling below 88% throughout the observed period. There has been a gradual increase in the Hispanic population from 2013 to 2019, peaking at 8% in 2019. Other racial categories have also emerged over time, including measurable populations of Black, Two or More Races, and Other categories by 2021.
The median income in Forrest has shown a general upward trend over the past decade, increasing from $56,632 in 2013 to $71,318 in 2022, representing a 26% increase over nine years. The period of Hispanic population growth (2013-2019) coincided with steady income growth. The median income peaked in 2021 at $73,997 and slightly declined in 2022, coinciding with a slight reversal in the diversity trend.
The population has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 1,661 in 2014 and currently standing at 1,460 in 2022. Periods of higher population generally corresponded with periods of increasing median income.
The low population density of approximately 26 people per square mile suggests this is a rural area. The persistent low diversity is consistent with many rural Midwestern communities that have historically been predominantly white. The 26% increase in median income over nine years is significant and may outpace national averages, suggesting relative economic health in the community.
Unlike many urban and suburban areas that have seen significant increases in diversity over the past decade, Forrest has maintained its low diversity status. This could be due to factors such as limited economic opportunities for newcomers or cultural factors that make the area less attractive to diverse populations.
Forrest has seen some economic growth and subtle shifts towards slightly increased diversity, but it remains a predominantly white, low-diversity community. The economic gains have been substantial, but the community has not experienced the demographic transitions seen in many other parts of the country. Future observations will determine if the slight trend towards increased diversity resumes, potentially leading to more significant demographic and economic changes.
