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Demographic Evolution in Zip Code 60644: Black Majority with Increasing Hispanic Representation
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Zip code 60644, located in Chicago, Illinois, presents a case of demographic stability with subtle shifts over the past decade. As of 2022, this area is categorized as a "Racial Majority" community, specifically a "Black Majority," with 82% of the population identifying as Black. However, the community shows signs of becoming a "Transitional Community" with increasing Hispanic representation and growing diversity.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), the zip code has consistently maintained its status as a "Black Majority" area. However, there's a gradual decline in the Black population percentage from 94% in 2013 to 82% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown steady growth, increasing from 3% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. This trend indicates a shift towards a more diverse community composition.
While still small, the White population doubled from 2% to 4% between 2013 and 2022. The Asian population, though minimal, emerged in the data from 2021 onwards. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races increased from 0% in 2013 to 2% in 2022, further indicating a trend towards increased diversity.
The median income has shown a consistent upward trend, increasing from $26,827 in 2013 to $32,945 in 2022. This represents a 22.8% increase over the decade. The population has experienced minor fluctuations, with a slight overall increase from 47,859 in 2013 to 50,180 in 2022. This 4.8% growth suggests a relatively stable community with a slight tendency towards expansion. The gradual increase in median income coincides with the subtle demographic shifts, potentially indicating that the growing diversity might be linked to improved economic conditions in the area.
While this zip code remains predominantly Black, the increasing Hispanic population and growing diversity align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. However, the median income, despite its growth, remains significantly below the national average, indicating persistent economic challenges in this community.
The area's transition towards greater diversity, albeit slow, reflects a common pattern in many urban neighborhoods across the United States. This gradual change suggests a community in the early stages of demographic transition, which could lead to further socio-economic changes in the coming years.
Zip code 60644 exemplifies a "Transitional Community" within the broader context of a "Black Majority" area. The subtle yet consistent demographic shifts, coupled with steady economic improvement, paint a picture of a community gradually evolving towards greater diversity while maintaining its core cultural identity. These changes may bring both opportunities and challenges as the community adapts to its changing composition in the years to come.
