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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Chicago's 60647 Zip Code (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The 60647 zip code in Chicago, Illinois, exhibited significant demographic changes between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, the area had a population of 83,897 and a median income of $89,349. The community transitioned from a "Hispanic Majority" classification in 2013 to a "Moderate Diversity" classification in 2022. The racial composition in 2022 showed no single group exceeding 50%, with White (49%) and Hispanic (37%) populations being the largest, followed by Black (6%) and Asian (4%) communities.
The most significant demographic shift was the decline in the Hispanic population from 51% in 2013 to 37% in 2022, while the White population increased from 38% to 49%. The Asian population doubled from 2% to 4%, and the Black population slightly increased from 5% to 6%. The "Two or More Races" category grew from 1% to 4%, further indicating increased diversity.
Economic growth accompanied these demographic changes. The median income rose from $63,296 in 2013 to $89,349 in 2022, a 41% increase that outpaced inflation. The population remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 85,196 in 2013 to 83,897 in 2022. This suggests that economic growth was not primarily driven by new residents but by changing economic circumstances of existing residents or gradual replacement of lower-income households with higher-income ones.
The correlation between the increasing White population percentage and rising median income could indicate a process of gentrification, where more affluent residents move into previously less expensive neighborhoods, potentially displacing long-term residents.
This demographic and economic shift is consistent with trends observed in many urban areas across the United States. The process of urban renewal and gentrification often leads to increased diversity in the short term, followed by potential displacement of minority communities as property values and cost of living increase.
The substantial increase in median income, outpacing national averages, suggests that this zip code may be experiencing more rapid economic change than many other urban areas. The stability in population numbers, despite significant demographic shifts, indicates that this change is occurring through population turnover rather than expansion.
The 60647 zip code exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a clear Hispanic majority to a more diverse mix, with concurrent significant economic growth. This transition brings both opportunities and challenges, potentially improving overall economic indicators while risking the displacement of long-term residents and altering the cultural fabric of the neighborhood. As this area continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these demographic and economic changes impact community cohesion, local businesses, and housing affordability.
