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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 98226: White Majority and Gradual Diversification
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The 98226 zip code in Bellingham, Washington, is classified as having "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The area has a white majority, with 72% of the population identifying as white. The current median income is $72,457, and the population has reached 49,139 residents.
Over the past decade, the 98226 zip code has maintained its "Low Diversity" status, with the white population consistently representing over 70% of the total. However, gradual shifts towards increased diversity are evident. The white population has decreased from 77% in 2013 to 72% in 2022. The Hispanic population has increased from 6% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has doubled from 3% in 2013 to 6% in 2022.
These changes indicate a slow but steady trend towards greater diversity. The area may be approaching a "Transitional Community" status, particularly with the growth in multi-racial and Hispanic populations.
The median income in the area has shown overall growth, increasing from $65,084 in 2013 to $72,457 in 2022, representing an 11.3% increase over the decade. Notable fluctuations include a significant increase from $64,126 in 2016 to $72,805 in 2017, and a peak of $76,746 in 2021, followed by a decline to $72,457 in 2022.
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 44,037 in 2013 to 49,139 in 2022, a growth of about 11.6%. This population growth aligns closely with the income growth, suggesting a generally prosperous period for the area.
The gradual increase in diversity, particularly in Hispanic and multi-racial populations, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many communities. The growth in median income (11.3% over a decade) is modest but positive, likely keeping pace with or slightly outpacing inflation, indicating a stable economic environment. The population growth of 11.6% over the decade is significant and may be above the national average, suggesting that Bellingham is an attractive area for new residents.
While the 98226 zip code in Bellingham remains categorized as "Low Diversity," it shows signs of gradual transition. The area has experienced steady economic and population growth over the past decade, which may be both a cause and effect of the slow increase in diversity. If these trends continue, the area may shift towards "Moderate Diversity" or become more firmly established as a "Transitional Community" in the coming years.
