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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 96117: Transition from White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 96117 in Litchfield, California, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has 602 residents and a median income of $66,328. This rural community has undergone subtle demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, the community has maintained a "White Majority" status, with the white population consistently above 74% of the total. However, there has been a gradual decline in the white proportion from 87% in 2019 to 74% in 2022. The community shows signs of increasing diversity, particularly with the growth of the Hispanic population from 4% in 2020 to 16% in 2022. Other racial groups, including Asian, Black, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations, have maintained consistently low percentages, rarely exceeding 3% individually.
The median income has fluctuated significantly over the years, peaking at $68,981 in 2013, declining to $53,581 in 2017, and then rebounding to $74,679 in 2021 before decreasing to $66,328 in 2022. The population has grown steadily from 413 in 2010 to 602 in 2022, representing a 45.8% increase over 12 years. The period of lowest median income (2015-2019) coincides with the highest percentage of white population (85-87%). The recent increase in diversity, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population, correlates with a rise in median income from 2020 onwards.
The demographic evolution of this community differs from national trends in several ways. The transition from extreme low diversity to slightly increased diversity is relatively slow compared to many parts of the U.S. The significant population growth in this rural area contrasts with the trend of rural population decline seen in many parts of the country. The substantial fluctuations in median income over short periods are unusual and may reflect the community's small size, making it more susceptible to economic changes affecting key employers or industries.
Litchfield (96117) remains a predominantly white, low-diversity community, but shows signs of gradual change. The recent increase in Hispanic population and correlating increase in median income suggest the beginnings of a transition that could lead to greater diversity and economic shifts in the coming years. This evolution aligns with broader national trends towards increased diversity, albeit at a much more gradual pace. The community's ability to grow its population in a rural setting is notable and may indicate unique local economic or lifestyle factors attracting new residents.
