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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 77521: Hispanic Plurality and Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 77521 in Baytown, Texas, as of 2022, is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with a "Hispanic Plurality." The Hispanic population comprises 50% of the total, while non-Hispanic whites account for 29%. The median income is $67,703, reflecting the socio-economic landscape of this suburban area near Houston.
Over the past decade, this zip code has experienced a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, it was characterized as having "Moderate Diversity" with a white plurality (42%) and substantial Black (22%) and Hispanic (34%) populations. By 2018, it transitioned to a "Majority-Minority" status, with the Hispanic population becoming the largest group at 39%. The community has since solidified its "Majority-Minority" status, with Hispanics reaching 50% in 2022, establishing a "Hispanic Plurality."
This shift is driven by steady growth in the Hispanic population, from 34% in 2013 to 50% in 2022, while the white population decreased from 42% to 29% during the same period. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 16-22% over the decade. The area can also be classified as a "Transitional Community," given the consistent increase in Hispanic representation and the gradual rise in individuals identifying as two or more races (from 1% to 2% over the decade).
The demographic shifts correlate with economic trends. The median income rose from $62,439 in 2013 to a peak of $77,516 in 2019, an increase of about 24%. However, there was a decline to $68,010 in 2020, likely due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the median income has fluctuated, settling at $67,703 in 2022.
The population has grown from 49,953 in 2013 to 65,771 in 2022, a 31.7% increase. This growth, combined with the changing racial composition, indicates that the area has been attractive to new residents, particularly from Hispanic backgrounds.
The demographic shifts observed in this zip code align with broader trends seen in many suburban areas of major cities in Texas and across the United States. The growth of Hispanic populations in suburban areas has been a notable trend nationwide, often accompanied by increased diversity and changing economic dynamics.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the decline in 2020 and subsequent recovery, mirror national trends related to the pandemic's impact. However, the area's resilience in maintaining a median income above its 2013 levels suggests a relatively robust local economy.
The transition to a "Majority-Minority" status with a "Hispanic Plurality" is significant in the context of Texas demographics, reflecting the state's increasing diversity and the growing influence of Hispanic communities in shaping local economies and cultures.
Zip code 77521 in Baytown exemplifies a dynamic, transitional community experiencing significant demographic and economic changes. These shifts present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, economic development, and local governance as the area continues to evolve.
