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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Zip Code 36862: A Study of Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 36862 in Penton, Alabama, is categorized as a "Moderate Diversity" community as of 2022. The area displays a relatively balanced distribution between Black and White populations, with a slight White plurality. The current median income of $38,779 indicates a lower-middle-income area, below the national median.
Over the past decade, this zip code has undergone a demographic transition. In 2013, it was classified as having a "Black Majority" with 54% of the population. By 2022, it shifted to a "White Plurality" with 50% White and 47% Black population. This change represents a transition from a clear racial majority to a more balanced demographic composition, moving towards increased diversity.
The Hispanic population has shown a consistent presence since 2015, comprising 2-3% of the total population. The Asian population has remained minimal throughout the decade, never exceeding 1% of the total population. Other racial categories have maintained negligible representation.
The median income in this zip code has shown an upward trend over the past decade, increasing from $28,857 in 2013 to $38,779 in 2022, representing a 34% increase over nine years. This economic growth has coincided with the shift towards a more balanced racial composition.
The population has decreased from 6,334 in 2013 to 5,751 in 2022, a decline of about 9%. This population decrease, coupled with income growth, might suggest a selective out-migration, possibly of lower-income residents, contributing to the overall increase in median income.
The demographic shift observed in this zip code aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many communities. The transition from a clear Black majority to a more balanced racial composition, with a slight White plurality, suggests a pattern of demographic change experienced by many small towns and rural areas across the United States in recent years.
The economic growth, as evidenced by the rising median income, is a positive indicator. However, the income levels remain below national averages, which is common in many rural and small-town settings in the southeastern United States.
The population decline, despite rising incomes, could be indicative of broader rural-to-urban migration patterns seen across much of the country. This trend often results in changing community dynamics and can present challenges for local economic development and service provision.
Zip code 36862 in Penton, Alabama, has evolved from a predominantly Black community to one of moderate diversity over the past decade. This demographic shift has been accompanied by economic growth, as reflected in rising median incomes. However, the area faces challenges such as population decline and income levels that still lag behind national averages. These trends highlight the complex interplay between demographic changes and economic development in small, rural communities.
