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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 94549: Racial Composition and Economic Trends from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 94549 in Lafayette, California, is classified as having Low Diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 74% of the total, narrowly missing the 75% threshold for this category but still representing a clear racial majority. The area is characterized by high median incomes, with the 2022 figure at $167,858, significantly above national averages. This affluent, predominantly white community has experienced minor changes in its demographic composition over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Lafayette has maintained its status as a White Majority community. The white population decreased from 78% in 2013 to 74% in 2022. The Asian population increased from 8% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 7-9% throughout the decade. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 4% to 6%. These changes indicate a slow trend towards greater diversity, potentially categorizing Lafayette as a Transitional Community in the early stages of demographic change.
The economic profile of Lafayette has remained consistently affluent throughout the observed period. Median income grew from $153,408 in 2013 to $167,858 in 2022, an increase of about 9.4%. The population increased modestly from 30,231 in 2013 to 31,182 in 2022, suggesting a stable, slightly growing community. The gradual increase in diversity appears to correlate with rising median incomes, suggesting that the influx of new residents, particularly from the Asian community, may be driven by high-income professionals attracted to the area's affluence and quality of life.
Lafayette's demographic and economic trends reflect broader patterns seen in many affluent suburbs of major metropolitan areas, particularly those in tech-centric regions like the San Francisco Bay Area. The gradual increase in Asian population is consistent with trends seen in other high-income areas, often attributed to the influx of skilled professionals in tech and other high-paying industries. The stability of the high median income, even as diversity slowly increases, suggests that the area maintains its attractiveness to high-earning professionals across racial groups.
The slow pace of demographic change is typical of established, high-income communities where property values and cost of living can act as barriers to rapid shifts in population makeup. The minimal representation of Black residents (consistently at 1%) and the absence of significant Native American or Pacific Islander populations highlight potential issues of accessibility or inclusivity that are common in many affluent suburban communities.
In conclusion, while Lafayette remains a predominantly white, high-income area, it shows early signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This change is occurring gradually and appears to be maintaining or even enhancing the area's economic prosperity. The community's evolution reflects broader trends of slow diversification in affluent suburbs, particularly those associated with tech-driven economies.
