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Demographic Analysis of ZIP Code 98116: White Majority with Gradual Racial Diversification
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The 98116 zip code in Seattle, Washington, is categorized as having "Low Diversity" with a clear White Majority as of 2022. The area has a population of 25,882 and a median income of $119,929, indicating a relatively affluent community. Despite its low diversity classification, there are signs of gradual demographic shifts over the past decade that warrant closer examination.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), the white population has consistently remained above 75%, classifying the area as "Low Diversity." However, there is a slight downward trend from 84% in 2013 to 81% in 2022. While still predominantly white, the community shows signs of becoming more diverse. The Asian population increased from 4% to 5%, the Hispanic population rose from 4% to 5%, the Black population grew from 1% to 4%, and the Two or more races category expanded from 4% to 6%.
The gradual increase in minority populations, particularly the Hispanic and multiracial categories, suggests the area is slowly transitioning towards greater diversity, though it has not yet reached the threshold for "Moderate Diversity." The median income has shown significant growth, from $94,933 in 2013 to $119,929 in 2022, a 26% increase over nine years. Despite the overall upward trend, there have been notable fluctuations, with a peak of $134,022 in 2021 before a substantial drop in 2022.
The population has increased from 22,569 in 2013 to 25,882 in 2022, a 14.7% growth, indicating the area's increasing attractiveness. As the area has become slightly more diverse, median incomes have generally increased. This suggests that the influx of minority populations has not negatively impacted the area's economic status and may have contributed to its growth. The rising incomes and population growth might indicate gentrification processes, potentially attracting more diverse, affluent professionals to the area.
The demographic shifts in this zip code, though gradual, align with broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. The median income of $119,929 is significantly higher than the national median household income (which was around $70,784 in 2021), reflecting Seattle's status as a high-cost, high-income city. The persistent low diversity in this affluent area contrasts with many urban centers that typically see faster diversification, suggesting potential barriers to entry for minority groups or a particularly desirable location for the existing demographic.
The 98116 zip code remains a predominantly white, affluent area with low diversity. It shows signs of gradual demographic shifts. These changes, coupled with significant economic growth, suggest a slowly evolving community that may be on the cusp of transitioning to a more diverse demographic profile in the coming years, albeit at a slower pace than many urban areas.
