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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 98283: A Low Diversity, White Majority Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
This study examines the demographic characteristics of zip code 98283 in Rockport, Washington, as of 2022. The area is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." The population consists of 431 residents with a median income of $53,930. The community has experienced significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Rockport maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." The white population remained dominant, comprising between 72% and 87% of the total population. The Hispanic population showed notable growth, increasing from 9% in 2013 to 19% in 2020, before decreasing to 10% in 2022. The Native American population maintained a consistent presence, reaching a peak of 7% in 2020. Other racial groups, including Asian, Black, Pacific Islander, and multiracial populations, remained consistently low or non-existent throughout the decade.
The economic landscape of Rockport exhibited significant fluctuations in median income. The median income decreased from $31,796 in 2013 to $26,868 in 2015, then increased dramatically to $76,200 in 2021, before settling at $53,930 in 2022. The population declined from 548 in 2013 to 431 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between. The period of highest income (2020-2021) coincided with the highest representation of Hispanic and Native American populations, suggesting a possible correlation between increased diversity and economic prosperity.
The community's characteristics indicate a rural setting, with a small population spread over a large geographic area of 348.85 square miles. This rural context often presents unique challenges in maintaining population and economic stability. The extreme fluctuations in median income observed in Rockport are unusual and may reflect changes in local industries or economic policies. Such volatility is more pronounced than what would typically be observed in larger, more diverse urban areas.
The persistent "Low Diversity" classification, with a strong "White Majority," is common in rural areas but contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. The temporary surge in the Hispanic population, while not sustained, aligns with broader national trends of increasing Hispanic representation in various communities.
In conclusion, Rockport represents a small, predominantly white rural community experiencing significant economic fluctuations and subtle demographic shifts. While maintaining its "Low Diversity" status, temporary increases in Hispanic and Native American populations suggest potential for future changes. The correlation between periods of higher diversity and increased median income indicates that embracing diversity could be economically beneficial for the community. However, the recent reversal of these trends suggests that sustaining such changes in a small, rural setting presents challenges that warrant further investigation and targeted community development strategies.
