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Demographic Evolution of Oquawka, Illinois: A Study of Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oquawka in Illinois exhibits a demographic profile characterized by low diversity and a predominantly white population. As of 2022, the community is categorized as "Low Diversity," with 92% of residents identifying as white. This small village, covering 1.47 square miles, has a population of 2,027 as of 2022, with an estimated 777 housing units based on the national average household size.
Over the past decade, Oquawka has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community. However, there are indications of a gradual shift towards increased diversity. The white population has decreased from 95% in 2013 to 92% in 2022. The Hispanic population has increased from 1% to 2% during this period. The proportion of residents identifying as two or more races has increased from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022. These changes suggest the beginnings of a "Transitional Community" status, with a slow but steady trend towards increasing diversity.
The median income in Oquawka has shown fluctuations over the past decade. There was an increase from $36,699 in 2013 to a peak of $52,291 in 2021, followed by a decline to $46,331 in 2022. These economic shifts coincide with demographic changes, potentially indicating a correlation between increasing diversity and economic volatility. Population trends show a gradual decline from 2,626 in 2013 to 2,027 in 2022, which may be influencing both economic and demographic shifts.
The trends observed in Oquawka reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in rural and small-town America. However, the pace of change in Oquawka appears slower than national averages, maintaining its predominantly white demographic longer than many comparable communities.
Based on the observed trends, Oquawka is likely to continue its slow transition towards increased diversity over the coming years. While it may remain in the "Low Diversity" category in the near term, there is potential for it to shift into a "Moderate Diversity" classification within the next decade if current trends accelerate.
Economically, the recent decline in median income, coupled with population decrease, suggests potential challenges ahead. However, if increasing diversity brings new economic opportunities or attracts new residents, this trend could reverse.
Oquawka is showing early signs of transitioning from a highly homogeneous community to one with increasing diversity, albeit at a slow pace. This demographic evolution, combined with economic fluctuations, may reshape the local community dynamics in the coming years. Monitoring these trends will be crucial for local policymakers and community leaders to address potential challenges and capitalize on new opportunities arising from these changes.
