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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 94608: Transition to High Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The 94608 zip code in Oakland, California, is classified as a "High Diversity" area as of 2022. No single racial group comprises more than 40% of the population, with at least three groups having significant representation. The community consists of White (37%), Black (23%), Asian (17%), and Hispanic (13%) residents, with 8% identifying as two or more races.
Over the past decade, this zip code has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the area had a "Black Plurality," with African Americans comprising 32% of the population. By 2022, the community had transitioned to a "High Diversity" status. This shift is marked by a decline in the Black population percentage (from 32% to 23%) and a slight increase in the White population (from 35% to 37%).
The Asian population has remained relatively stable (16% to 17%), while the Hispanic population has seen a small increase (12% to 13%). The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has doubled from 4% to 8%, indicating a trend towards increased racial mixing and complexity in the community's demographic makeup.
The demographic shifts in this zip code have been accompanied by significant economic changes. The median income has risen from $68,673 in 2013 to $92,820 in 2022, representing a 35% increase. This substantial growth in median income suggests a trend of gentrification, which may be contributing to the changing racial composition of the area.
The population has grown from 25,707 in 2013 to 33,207 in 2022, an increase of about 29%. This population growth, coupled with rising incomes, indicates that the area has become increasingly attractive to new residents, potentially driving both economic and demographic changes.
The trends observed in this Oakland zip code reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The decline in the Black population percentage and the increase in White and mixed-race residents are consistent with gentrification processes observed in many cities. The substantial increase in median income is also typical of gentrifying neighborhoods.
This zip code has managed to retain a significant mix of racial groups. This could be indicative of intentional efforts to maintain diversity or the result of Oakland's overall diverse character. The rapid population growth in this zip code (29% over a decade) outpaces the national average, which was around 7.4% from 2010 to 2020.
The 94608 zip code in Oakland represents a rapidly changing urban area that has transitioned from a community with a Black plurality to one of high diversity. This shift, accompanied by significant economic growth, reflects broader urban trends but also demonstrates a unique ability to maintain racial diversity in the face of gentrification pressures.
