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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 62236: Persistent White Majority in Columbia, Illinois
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 62236 in Columbia, Illinois, represents a community with Low Diversity, characterized by a strong White Majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 94% of the total, with minimal representation from other racial groups. The area has experienced steady population growth over the past decade, increasing from 13,227 in 2010 to 15,648 in 2022. Economically, the community shows a high median income of $104,333 in 2022, indicating an affluent suburban area.
Throughout the observed period (2013-2022), the zip code has consistently maintained its status as a White Majority area with Low Diversity. The white population has remained above 94% for the entire period, with only slight fluctuations. There hasn't been a significant transition between diversity categories, suggesting a stable racial composition.
Subtle changes are worth noting. The Hispanic population has shown a slight increase, from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022. The Asian population remained stable at 1% until 2022, when it dropped to 0%. The Black population increased slightly from 0% to 1% in 2022. These minor shifts suggest the beginning of a very slow diversification process, though not enough to change the area's overall categorization.
The median income in the zip code has seen substantial growth, rising from $76,667 in 2013 to $104,333 in 2022, an increase of about 36% over nine years. This growth in median income correlates with the steady population increase, suggesting that the area has become increasingly attractive to affluent residents.
The stability in racial demographics coupled with rising incomes might indicate that the area is attracting more affluent white residents, possibly from nearby urban areas. Existing residents are experiencing economic growth. The high property values and cost of living associated with rising incomes may be creating barriers to entry for more diverse populations.
While national trends have shown increasing diversity in many suburban areas, this zip code appears to be resisting this trend. The persistence of a strong White Majority in this affluent suburb contrasts with many similar communities across the United States that have experienced more significant demographic shifts.
The substantial increase in median income outpaces national averages, which saw more modest growth during the same period. This suggests that Columbia, Illinois, is becoming increasingly affluent relative to national standards.
The area's resistance to diversification, despite economic growth, may indicate strong community preferences for maintaining the current demographic makeup. It may also suggest possible structural or cultural barriers to integration for minority groups, and limited economic opportunities or housing options for diverse populations in the immediate area.
While the zip code 62236 has experienced significant economic growth and steady population increase over the past decade, it has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community. The subtle demographic shifts observed may indicate the very early stages of a Transitional Community, but this process, if occurring, is happening at a much slower pace than in many comparable suburban areas across the United States. The correlation between increasing affluence and persistent low diversity raises questions about accessibility and inclusivity in this growing suburban community.
