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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 72916: Transitioning from White Majority to Increased Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 72916 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has a population of 10,942 and a median household income of $82,056, indicating a relatively affluent suburban neighborhood.
Over the past decade, this zip code has maintained its status as a "White Majority" area. However, there are indications of a gradual shift towards becoming a "Transitional Community." The percentage of white residents has decreased from 86% in 2017 to 76% in 2022, while other racial groups have experienced modest increases.
The Asian population has shown the most significant growth, rising from 3% in 2017 to 7% in 2022. The Hispanic population has also increased from 2% to 6% during the same period. These changes suggest a slow but steady diversification of the community.
The area has not yet reached the threshold for "Moderate Diversity," but if current trends continue, it may transition to this category in the coming years. The growing representation of Asian and Hispanic populations, along with an increase in residents identifying as two or more races (from 3% in 2017 to 6% in 2022), indicates a gradual move towards a more diverse community composition.
The demographic shifts in this zip code have coincided with significant economic changes. The median household income has increased from $70,396 in 2017 to $82,056 in 2022, representing a growth of about 16.5% over five years. This rise in income levels suggests that the area is attracting more affluent residents, possibly including professionals from diverse backgrounds.
The population has grown from 8,343 in 2017 to 10,942 in 2022, a 31% increase. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes and increasing diversity, may indicate that the area is becoming more attractive to a wider range of residents, possibly due to job opportunities or quality of life factors.
The trends observed in this zip code align with broader patterns seen in many suburban areas across the United States. Many suburbs are experiencing gradual diversification as minority populations, particularly Asian and Hispanic groups, move into traditionally white-majority areas. This often correlates with economic growth and rising property values, as seen in this Fort Smith zip code.
The income growth in this area (16.5% over five years) outpaces the national average wage growth, which typically hovers around 3-4% annually. This suggests that this zip code is experiencing more rapid economic development compared to national averages.
While the 72916 zip code in Fort Smith, Arkansas, remains a "Low Diversity" area with a "White Majority," it shows clear signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This demographic shift is accompanied by strong economic growth and population increase, indicating a dynamic and evolving community. If these trends continue, the area may soon be categorized as a "Transitional Community" or even reach "Moderate Diversity" status in the near future.
