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Demographic Shift in Zip Code 23432: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 23432 in Suffolk, Virginia, has experienced a demographic transition from 2013 to 2022. As of 2022, the area is categorized as "Moderate Diversity" with a population of 1,191 residents. The racial composition consists of 50% white, 45% Black, 4% Hispanic, and 1% two or more races. The median income in 2022 was $92,617, indicating an upper-middle-class neighborhood.
Over the past decade, this zip code has undergone a significant change in its racial composition. In 2013, it was classified as a "White Majority" area with 59% white population. By 2022, it shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, approaching a "Majority-Minority" community. The Black population increased from 32% in 2013 to 45% in 2022, while the white population decreased from 59% to 50%. The Hispanic population doubled from 2% to 4% during this period.
The demographic shifts occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income increased modestly from $90,490 in 2013 to $92,617 in 2022, with a peak of $95,732 in 2021. The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with some fluctuations, peaking at 1,494 in 2017 before declining to 1,191 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in this zip code align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have been experiencing similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods over the past few decades.
The stable and relatively high median income in this area, despite demographic changes, is noteworthy. It suggests that the community has maintained its economic standing while becoming more diverse, which is not always the case in areas undergoing significant demographic shifts.
The slight population decrease in recent years, coupled with increasing diversity, might indicate a generational turnover or changing housing preferences. This could be part of a larger trend of suburban areas becoming more attractive to diverse, middle-class families seeking quality housing and good schools outside of urban centers.
Zip code 23432 in Suffolk, Virginia, presents a case of a "Transitional Community." It has evolved from a "White Majority" area to one of "Moderate Diversity" over the past decade, while maintaining a strong economic profile. This transition reflects broader national trends of increasing suburban diversity and suggests a community in the process of redefining its demographic identity while preserving its economic strength.
