Loading Content...
Demographic Evolution of Zip Code 15421: From White Majority to Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Deer Lake in Pennsylvania (zip code 15421) is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has a population of 22 people and a median income of $68,381. This rural community has undergone demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2021, Deer Lake maintained a "Low Diversity" classification with a "White Majority", as the white population constituted 100% of the community. In 2022, a slight shift towards increased diversity occurred. While still in the "Low Diversity" category, the community saw the emergence of a small multiracial population (5%), with the white population decreasing to 91%.
The median income in Deer Lake has fluctuated over the decade. From 2013-2014, it was relatively high ($67,348 to $65,595). Between 2015-2017, there was a sharp decline to around $46,000-$49,000. From 2018-2022, there was a recovery and growth, reaching $68,381 in 2022.
These economic shifts do not appear to correlate directly with the racial composition, as the community remained entirely white until 2022. However, the recent increase in diversity coincides with a period of economic stability and growth.
Population trends show a steady decline from 34 people in 2013 to 22 in 2022. This 35% population decrease in an already small community could have major impacts on local dynamics and may be linked to economic challenges faced in the mid-2010s.
Deer Lake has remained exceptionally homogeneous until very recently, while national trends have shown increasing diversity in many areas. The community's small size makes it particularly sensitive to even small demographic changes.
The median income in Deer Lake ($68,381 in 2022) is above the national median household income (which was about $70,784 in 2021), suggesting that despite its small size and rural nature, it is a relatively affluent community.
The population decline in Deer Lake contrasts with the trend of overall population growth in the United States, which might indicate local challenges such as lack of job opportunities or aging population that are causing people to leave the area.
Deer Lake remains a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "White Majority", but the data from 2022 hints at the potential start of a demographic shift. This change, coupled with the area's economic recovery in recent years, may signal the beginning of a new phase for this small Pennsylvania community. However, the persistent population decline remains a significant concern that could impact the community's future viability and character.
