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Demographic and Racial Analysis of Zip Code 60040: White Majority and Hispanic Population Shifts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 60040 in Highwood, Illinois, is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The area has a White majority (58%) and a significant Hispanic population (37%), with other racial groups comprising smaller portions. The median income is $72,923, and the population is 4,336, indicating a relatively affluent, small urban area.
Highwood has experienced notable demographic shifts over the past decade. In 2013, the community had "High Diversity" with nearly equal proportions of Hispanic (46%) and White (49%) residents. This high diversity persisted from 2013 to 2019, with both Hispanic and White populations remaining around 46-49% each.
A significant change occurred between 2019 and 2022. The White population increased from 45% to 58%, while the Hispanic population decreased from 49% to 37%. This shift transitioned the community from "High Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" with a stronger White presence, while still maintaining its "Majority-Minority" status due to the collective proportion of minority groups.
The demographic shifts correlate with significant changes in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $57,074 to $72,923, a 27.8% rise. A sharp increase to $89,513 occurred in 2021 before settling to $72,923 in 2022. This economic growth coincides with the increase in the White population percentage, suggesting a possible influx of higher-income residents.
The population has decreased from 5,043 in 2013 to 4,336 in 2022, a 14% reduction. This could indicate a gentrification process, where some lower-income residents, potentially from the Hispanic community, may have been displaced as property values and living costs increased.
The demographic changes in Highwood reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. However, the recent shift towards a higher White population percentage contrasts with the general trend of increasing minority representation in many U.S. communities. The significant income growth outpaces national averages, suggesting that Highwood may be experiencing more rapid economic changes than many comparable areas.
The community appears to be transitioning from a highly diverse, mixed-income area to a more affluent, less diverse community. This transition could bring both opportunities and challenges, including potential cultural shifts, changes in local businesses and services, and possible tensions related to gentrification and community identity.
Highwood (zip code 60040) has evolved from a highly diverse community with relatively balanced Hispanic and White populations to a moderately diverse area with a stronger White majority, accompanied by significant economic growth. These changes suggest a community in flux, potentially facing both the benefits of economic development and the challenges of maintaining cultural diversity and inclusivity.
