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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 62473: Racial Composition and Trends in Watson, Illinois
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 62473, encompassing Watson in Illinois, exhibits a Low Diversity profile with a White Majority. As of 2022, the community is 94% white and 6% Hispanic. The median income for 2022 was $57,140, and the population was 959, showing a decline from previous years.
Over the past decade, Watson has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. Signs of a gradual shift towards becoming a Transitional Community have emerged in recent years. The white population decreased from 98% in 2013 to 94% in 2022. The Hispanic population grew from 0% in 2013 to 6% in 2022, with acceleration in the last two years. Individuals identifying as two or more races increased from 0% in 2013 to 2% in 2021, but dropped to 0% again in 2022.
The median income in Watson has fluctuated over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, income levels remained relatively stable between $51,478 and $57,862. In 2020-2022, there was an increase to $65,523 in 2021, followed by a decrease to $57,140 in 2022. The population has steadily declined from 1,139 in 2010 to 959 in 2022, a decrease of about 15.8% over 12 years.
The gradual increase in diversity does not show a clear correlation with income trends. The income spike in 2021 coincided with significant Hispanic population growth, but this could be coincidental given the subsequent income decrease in 2022. The overall population decline might contribute to the gradual demographic shifts, as small changes in absolute numbers can lead to noticeable percentage changes in a shrinking population.
The trends in Watson reflect some broader national patterns. The steady population decrease aligns with trends seen in many rural American communities. The gradual increase in Hispanic population reflects a broader trend of growing diversity in traditionally homogeneous rural communities across the U.S. The fluctuations in median income, particularly the sharp rise and fall in 2021-2022, may reflect broader economic uncertainties experienced nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Watson remains a Low Diversity, White Majority community, with early indications of a transition towards slightly increased diversity. The economic picture is mixed, with income volatility and a declining population potentially influencing and being influenced by these demographic shifts. Continued monitoring of these trends will be crucial to understanding the evolving socio-economic landscape of this small Illinois community.
