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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 68945: Predominantly White Population with Subtle Shifts in Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 68945 in Heartwell, Nebraska, is categorized as having Low Diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 94% of the total, meeting the criteria for racial group dominance of over 75% representation. The current median income is $70,134, indicating a moderate economic status for this rural community with a population of 176.
Heartwell has maintained its Low Diversity status over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, the white population has consistently been the majority, ranging from 88% to 99%. Minor shifts have occurred within this demographic landscape. The Hispanic population, which represented 9-11% from 2013 to 2016, decreased to 2% by 2017 and further to 1% by 2022. A small Asian population of 1% was present from 2013 to 2016, reappearing at 2% in 2021 and increasing to 3% in 2022. The category of Two or More Races emerged in 2021 at 1% and increased to 2% in 2022.
The median income in Heartwell has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $61,899 in 2013 to $70,134 in 2022, with a peak of $78,408 in 2021. This represents a 13.3% increase over the decade. The period of higher Hispanic representation (2013-2016) coincided with relatively stable median incomes around $61,000-$63,000. A sharp decline in the Hispanic population after 2016 was followed by a temporary dip in median income to $58,132 in 2017. Subsequent years saw both an increase in median income and the emergence of small Asian and multiracial populations.
Population figures have fluctuated between 153 and 199 over the decade, with no clear trend, indicating a relatively stable small community despite minor demographic and economic shifts.
Heartwell's demographic makeup is typical of many small, rural Midwestern communities that have historically been predominantly white. The slow increase in diversity, particularly the growth in Asian and multiracial populations, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in rural areas, albeit at a much slower pace than urban centers.
The economic growth in Heartwell is notable given the challenges many rural communities face. The increase in median income suggests a level of economic resilience, possibly due to the stability of agricultural economies or the introduction of new economic opportunities that have attracted a small number of diverse residents.
Heartwell remains a Low Diversity community with a strong white majority. Subtle shifts in its demographic makeup and consistent economic growth suggest the potential for gradual change. These trends may signal the beginning of a long-term transition towards slightly increased diversity and economic development in this rural Nebraska community.
