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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 97227: A Study of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The 97227 zip code in Portland, Oregon, is categorized as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The area has a population of 6,293 and a median income of $84,790. The white population constitutes 72% of the residents, with notable presence of other racial groups, including Hispanic (9%), Black (7%), and individuals of two or more races (7%).
Over the past decade, this zip code has maintained its status as a "White Majority" community. However, subtle shifts in its racial composition have occurred. The area shows signs of being a "Transitional Community," particularly with the increase in Asian and multiracial populations. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has remained steady at 7% since 2020, up from 4-5% in earlier years.
While maintaining a white majority, the community has experienced fluctuations in its minority populations. The Black population peaked at 16% in 2015 but has since decreased to 7% in 2022. Conversely, the Hispanic population has shown a recent uptick, reaching 9% in 2022 from a low of 6% in 2020. The Asian population, while still small, has shown steady growth from 2% in 2013 to 3-4% in recent years, indicating a gradual diversification.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes in the zip code. The median income has shown a significant upward trend, increasing from $61,331 in 2013 to $84,790 in 2022. This 38% increase over nine years suggests gentrification or an influx of higher-income residents. The population has grown substantially from 3,451 in 2010 to 6,293 in 2022, nearly doubling in size. This rapid growth could be driving both demographic and economic changes. Despite the overall upward trend, there have been some fluctuations in median income, particularly a dip from $85,927 in 2020 to $82,407 in 2021, possibly reflecting economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rising incomes and shifting demographics are consistent with patterns of urban gentrification seen in many U.S. cities over the past decade. The slight dip in median income in 2021 aligns with broader economic challenges faced nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly in Asian and multiracial populations, reflects broader national trends of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in urban areas.
The 97227 zip code in Portland remains a "White Majority" area but shows clear signs of being a "Transitional Community" with increasing diversity and significant economic growth. These changes likely reflect broader urban development trends and may be reshaping the local community dynamics and culture. The area's rapid population growth and rising incomes suggest it's becoming an increasingly desirable location, which may continue to drive demographic and economic shifts in the coming years.
