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Demographic Shift and Racial Diversity in Zip Code 21704: A Study of Urbana, Maryland
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 21704 in Urbana, Maryland, is classified as a "White Majority" community with "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The area has a high median income of $142,848 and a population of 16,644, indicating an affluent suburban setting.
Over the past decade, Urbana has transformed from a "Low Diversity" community to its current "Moderate Diversity" status. In 2013, 74% of the population identified as white, decreasing to 57% by 2022. The area has experienced growth in its Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations. The Asian population has remained stable at around 12% since 2014. The Black population has more than doubled from 5% in 2013 to 11% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown the most significant increase, from 6% in 2013 to 14% in 2022.
These demographic shifts suggest that Urbana is becoming a "Transitional Community," with increasing representation from various racial groups. If current trends continue, the area may transition to a "Majority-Minority" status, where no single racial group constitutes a majority.
The demographic changes in Urbana have occurred alongside significant economic growth. The median income has increased from $124,297 in 2013 to $142,848 in 2022, a rise of about 15%. The population has grown substantially, from 12,972 in 2013 to 16,644 in 2022, an increase of about 28%. This population growth, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, indicates that Urbana has become an increasingly desirable location for various ethnic groups, particularly those in higher income brackets.
The trends observed in Urbana align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near major metropolitan centers. The Washington D.C. metro area, which includes parts of Maryland, has been experiencing similar demographic shifts, with growing Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations in its suburbs.
Urbana's exceptionally high median income sets it apart from many other diversifying suburbs. The area's ability to maintain such high income levels while becoming more diverse suggests it may be attracting highly educated and skilled professionals from various ethnic backgrounds, possibly due to its proximity to job centers in the D.C. metro area.
Urbana represents an example of a "Transitional Community" where increasing diversity is occurring alongside economic prosperity. This trend challenges the notion that increasing diversity necessarily leads to economic decline and instead suggests that diversity can coexist with and potentially contribute to economic growth. As the community continues to evolve, it will be important to observe how these demographic and economic trends shape local policies, community dynamics, and social integration efforts.
