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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 94038: A Study of Racial Composition in Montara, California
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 94038 in Montara, California, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a "White Majority" as of 2022. Data from 2022 indicates that 74% of the population identifies as white, which is just below the 75% threshold for the "Low Diversity" category. The area is characterized by a high median income of $160,219, which is significantly above the national average, suggesting an affluent community.
Over the past decade, Montara has consistently maintained its status as a "White Majority" area. However, there have been subtle shifts towards slightly increased diversity. The white population has decreased from 82% in 2013 to 74% in 2022, indicating a gradual trend towards more diversity, though still remaining in the "Low Diversity" category. The Hispanic population has fluctuated, rising from 12% in 2013 to a peak of 21% in 2014, then stabilizing around 15-19% in recent years. The Asian population has shown a small but steady increase from 3% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has grown from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022, peaking at 6% in 2021.
These shifts suggest that while Montara remains predominantly white, it is showing signs of becoming a "Transitional Community," albeit at a slow pace. The median income in Montara has fluctuated but generally trended upward over the decade. It peaked at $174,095 in 2013, then dropped to $143,456 in 2014. After some fluctuations, it reached a new high of $175,251 in 2021. As of 2022, it stands at $160,219, which is still significantly higher than the national median.
The population has also fluctuated, peaking at 5,043 in 2017 and settling at 4,147 in 2022. This suggests that while the area remains highly desirable, there may be factors limiting population growth, possibly related to housing availability or costs in this high-income area. The correlation between demographic shifts and economic trends is not strongly apparent. Despite the slight increase in diversity, the area has maintained its high-income status, suggesting that new residents are likely of similar socioeconomic status to existing residents.
Montara's demographic and economic trends differ from broader California patterns. California as a whole is known for its high diversity, often categorized as a "Majority-Minority" state. In contrast, Montara remains predominantly white. The median income in Montara is significantly higher than the California state median (which was around $78,672 in 2021), indicating that this is an exceptionally affluent enclave. The slow pace of diversification in Montara contrasts with rapid demographic changes seen in many parts of California and the broader United States.
In conclusion, while Montara shows signs of gradual diversification, it remains a predominantly white, high-income area. The community's economic stability and slow demographic shifts suggest a carefully managed growth pattern, possibly influenced by local policies or geographic constraints. This pattern of gradual change in a high-income area presents a case study in how affluent communities evolve demographically over time.
