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Demographic Evolution of Lockport, Illinois: A Predominantly White Community with Slow Diversification (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Lockport, Illinois, demonstrates a demographic profile classified as "Low Diversity" based on established criteria. As of 2022, the white population comprises 84% of the total, exceeding the 75% threshold for this classification. The city's median income in 2022 was $89,650, indicating a relatively affluent community. The population stands at 29,471, residing in an area of 11.57 square miles.
Over the past decade, Lockport has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The white population has remained the dominant racial group, ranging between 84% and 87% from 2013 to 2022. Subtle signs of increasing diversity are evident. The Hispanic population increased slightly from 9% in 2013 to 10% in 2022. The Asian population grew from 0% in 2013 to 1% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category expanded from 0% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. These changes suggest a gradual trend towards increased diversity, though not sufficient to alter the city's overall categorization.
The median income in Lockport has shown significant growth over the past decade, increasing from $81,589 in 2013 to $89,650 in 2022, representing a 9.9% increase over nine years. A peak in median income occurred in 2021 at $99,188, followed by a decrease in 2022. The population has grown steadily, from 28,507 in 2013 to 29,471 in 2022, a 3.4% increase. This suggests that the city has been attracting new residents, possibly due to its economic opportunities and quality of life.
The correlation between demographic shifts and economic trends is not strongly evident. The gradual increase in diversity has occurred alongside economic growth, but the relationship does not appear to be causative in either direction.
Lockport's demographic composition differs significantly from national averages. The U.S. as a whole is becoming increasingly diverse, with non-Hispanic whites comprising about 60% of the population as of 2020. Lockport's 84% white population in 2022 indicates it is considerably less diverse than the national average. The median household income in Lockport ($89,650 in 2022) is also significantly higher than the national median, which was around $70,784 in 2021. This suggests that Lockport is a relatively affluent suburb compared to national averages.
Based on observed trends, it is likely that Lockport will continue to gradually diversify over the coming years. While it may remain in the "Low Diversity" category in the near term, there is a possibility it could transition to "Moderate Diversity" if current trends accelerate. This would require the non-white population to grow from its current 16% to at least 25%.
Economically, the city appears poised for continued prosperity, though the recent decrease in median income from 2021 to 2022 warrants attention. If this is a temporary fluctuation, incomes might be expected to stabilize or resume growth, potentially attracting more diverse residents and further driving the slow shift towards increased diversity.
In conclusion, while Lockport remains a predominantly white, affluent suburb, subtle demographic shifts and strong economic indicators suggest a community that may be on the cusp of gradual change towards greater diversity in the coming years.
