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Demographic and Economic Trends in Slatington, Pennsylvania: A Study of Racial Composition and Income
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Slatington, Pennsylvania, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community. As of 2022, the white population comprises 83% of the total, with a Hispanic minority of 16%. The city's current median income is $49,797, showing a decline from previous years. This borough, with an area of 1.32 square miles and a population of 4,283 in 2022, presents a case study in demographic and economic shifts over the past decade.
Over the past decade, Slatington has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community, with the white population consistently representing over 75% of the total. The Hispanic population has shown growth, increasing from 6% in 2013 to 16% in 2022. This trend suggests that Slatington may be evolving into a "Transitional Community".
The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has remained relatively stable, between 1-3% throughout the decade. Other racial groups, including Asian, Black, Native American, and Pacific Islander, have maintained minimal representation, consistently at or near 0%.
The economic trajectory of Slatington shows a downward trend. The median income peaked in 2017 at $64,823 but has since declined steadily, reaching $49,797 in 2022. This represents a drop of about 23% over five years.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 4,251 and 4,291 residents. This stability in population size, coupled with the changing racial composition and declining income, points to internal demographic shifts rather than significant migration patterns.
The trends observed in Slatington align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in small towns and rural areas. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide trend of Hispanic population growth and dispersion beyond traditional urban centers.
Based on the observed trends, Slatington is likely to continue its transition towards greater diversity. If the current trajectory persists, the community may shift from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" within the next 5-10 years, particularly if the Hispanic population continues to grow at its current rate.
The city might eventually be categorized as a "Transitional Community" if the pace of demographic change accelerates. Economic challenges may persist in the short term, potentially stabilizing as the community adapts to its changing demographic makeup.
Slatington is undergoing a gradual but significant demographic transition, coupled with economic challenges. These changes will likely reshape the community's identity and dynamics in the coming years.
