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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 61849: White Majority and Low Diversity in Homer, Illinois
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
As of 2022, zip code 61849 in Homer, Illinois, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." The area has a population of 1,816 and a median income of $77,095. This rural community has maintained a predominantly white population over the past decade, with minimal representation from other racial groups.
Throughout the 2013-2022 period, Homer has consistently fallen under the "Low Diversity" category, with the white population comprising over 95% of the total. There have been no significant transitions between diversity categories during this time. However, there are subtle signs of a very gradual increase in diversity. The Hispanic population has shown a slight increase from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category appeared in 2022 at 1%, indicating a small but new presence of multiracial residents. These minor shifts suggest the community might be at the very early stages of becoming a "Transitional Community," albeit at a very slow pace.
The median income in Homer has shown growth over the past decade. In 2013, the median income was $60,543. By 2022, it had increased to $77,095, representing a 27.3% growth over nine years. This economic growth appears to have occurred without significant demographic changes, suggesting that the existing population has experienced improved economic conditions. The highest median income was recorded in 2021 at $86,526, with a slight decrease in 2022.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 1,800 and 2,000 residents throughout the period. This stability, combined with income growth, suggests a community that has experienced economic improvement without significant in-migration or demographic shifts.
The persistent "Low Diversity" status of Homer contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity in many areas of the United States. The income growth in Homer (27.3% over nine years) outpaces the national average income growth rate, which typically ranges from 2-3% annually. The stability of the population suggests that Homer has not experienced the rural population decline seen in many small Midwestern communities.
Homer represents a stable, predominantly white rural community that has experienced economic growth over the past decade. While showing very early signs of potential demographic shifts, it remains a "Low Diversity" area with a strong "White Majority." The economic improvements have occurred largely within the existing demographic structure, suggesting internal economic development rather than changes driven by migration or significant demographic shifts.
