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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 91916: White Majority with Fluctuating Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 91916 in Descanso, California, is classified as a "White Majority" community with low to moderate diversity as of 2022. The area has a population of 2,244 and a median income of $89,069. This rural community, covering 132.73 square miles, has experienced subtle demographic shifts over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Descanso has maintained its status as a "White Majority" community. The white population decreased from 72% in 2013 to 65% in 2017, then increased to 74% in 2022. The Hispanic population rose from 13% in 2013 to 24% in 2017, then declined to 13% in 2022. The Native American population remained relatively stable between 4-8% throughout the decade. The population identifying as two or more races increased from 1% in 2013 to 6% in 2022.
These shifts indicate that while Descanso remains predominantly white, it showed signs of transitioning towards greater diversity, particularly during the mid-2010s. The community briefly approached a "Moderate Diversity" classification around 2017 when the white population dropped to 65% and the Hispanic population peaked at 24%. However, this trend reversed in recent years, returning to a more homogeneous racial composition.
The median income in Descanso has shown an upward trend, increasing from $73,738 in 2013 to $89,069 in 2022, with a peak of $98,782 in 2021. This represents a 20.8% increase over the decade, outpacing inflation.
The period of increasing diversity (2013-2017) coincided with steady income growth, suggesting that economic opportunities may have attracted a more diverse population. The recent decrease in diversity (2017-2022) occurred alongside continued income growth, potentially indicating that rising costs of living may have impacted the ability of some minority groups to remain in the area. The population has fluctuated over the years but shows an overall increase from 2,062 in 2013 to 2,244 in 2022, suggesting the area remains attractive despite demographic shifts.
The median income growth in Descanso outpaces the national average, indicating a relatively prosperous community. The demographic composition, with a strong white majority, is less diverse than many urban and suburban areas in California, which often have higher proportions of Hispanic and Asian populations. The fluctuations in racial composition, particularly the rise and fall of the Hispanic population, may reflect broader migration patterns within California and the United States.
Descanso presents a case of a rural community that has experienced subtle demographic shifts while maintaining its overall character as a White Majority area. The economic growth suggests a thriving community, but the recent reversal of diversification trends raises questions about long-term inclusivity and affordability in the area. Future years will reveal whether the community continues on its current trajectory or experiences new demographic transitions.
